• Premier League

Hodgson plays down Gerrard injury fears

ESPN staff
December 30, 2010
Steven Gerrard made his first appearance for Liverpool since November © PA Photos
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Roy Hodgson has allayed fears over Steven Gerrard's fitness after the Liverpool captain was seen clutching his calf during the 1-0 defeat to Wolves.

Gerrard had not played since November after picking up an injury while on international duty with England, and appeared to struggle later on in the match, but Hodgson has insisted the midfielder was merely struggling with cramp and had not suffered any lasting damage.

"Luckily it's cramp, which wasn't good, but unfortunately because we were losing and because I was desperate to do something different and freshen up the team, I'd used up all my substitutes," Hodgson told the club's official website. "Had I not done so, I would have taken him off."

Liverpool host Bolton on New Year's Day, and after the busy festive schedule, Hodgson admits he may be forced to make changes to his side.

"We've got some chances to freshen the team up and we'll have to continually do that anyway because there are so many games coming up," he said. "With games every three days, you cannot expect them to play even if you wanted to."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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