Liverpool wait on Gerrard prognosis

Liverpool expect to discover the results of the treatment Steven Gerrard had on an ankle infection over the weekend within the next couple of days but are keeping an open mind over the extent of the problem.

The Reds captain missed Saturday’s 2-0 win at West Brom as, after initially travelling to the midlands on Friday with the rest of the squad, he was not fit enough to play in the evening kick-off the following day.

Gerrard is believed to have picked up a knock in training which subsequently became infected and required medical intervention at a Liverpool hospital on Sunday.

Photographs showing the England midfielder on crutches with what appears to be a knee-high cast or heavy strapping on his right leg raised fears the 31-year-old could be set for a long lay-off.

The club will not comment on Gerrard’s fitness but reports say there will be no prognosis on the problem or definitive decision on what treatment he will undergo until at least today and possibly later in the week, when the medical team at Melwood have had a chance to fully assess the player.

Any time on the sidelines would be a blow to Gerrard and Liverpool as the player has only just returned to action after six months out.

Gerrard had an operation on a long-term groin problem in March and his comeback from that was delayed because of an infection.

He finally made his return in the second half of Liverpool’s League Cup victory at Brighton on September 21 and, after two further substitute appearances, started his first match since March 6 in the draw with Manchester United just over a fortnight ago.

His latest setback, however, could put his participation in England’s friendlies against Spain and Sweden on November 12 and 15 at Wembley in doubt.

He missed last month’s final Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro as he had played less than an hour’s football in the current season and so was not selected by England coach Fabio Capello.