Gerrard ruled out at weekend

Steven Gerrard will miss Liverpool's game against Sunderland this weekend. The player picked up an injury in UEFA Champions League qualifying against Toulouse, and is set to take a break.

The England international played through the pain against Chelsea in the 1-1 draw last Sunday. Although the player did not aggravate the injury, Rafa Benitez has decided it is now the time to allow Gerrard time to heal his broken toe. Gerrard also missed England's 2-1 loss to Germany.

Sissoko or Mascherano will be eager to take Gerrard's starting place at the weekend and the return leg of the game against Toulouse which Gerrard will also miss.