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Gerrard out of Poland clash

09/10/2005

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard will miss England's World Cup qualifier against Poland on Wednesday with a shin injury.

The midfield player strained a muscle in his left leg during England's 1-0 victory over Austria on Saturday.

The triumph helped secure his side's passage to the World Cup, meaning that victory over Poland in the final qualifier is no longer needed.

Liverpool have confirmed the 25-year-old will be out of action for two or three weeks after undergoing scans to assess the extent of the injury.

This will come as a blow to Reds coach Rafa Benitez, who is likely to be without his captain for the European Champions' tie against Anderlecht on October 19th, as well as for Premiership matches against Blackburn and Fulham.

England need to beat Poland if they are to end their qualifying campaign on a high, and finish top of Group Six. With Sol Campbell and David Beckham also unavailable for England's tie at Old Trafford on Saturday, coach Sven Goran Eriksson will have a selection dilemma.

Spurs defender Ledley King, who played in the centre of midfield after David Beckham's sending off on Saturday, could continue in a more advanced role in Gerrard's absence.

Eriksson has confirmed Rio Ferdinand will come back into the side in place of Campbell, while Wayne Rooney is also available for selection after serving a suspension.

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