Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will not be back in the side for this weekend's clash with Newcastle United.
But he will be right to take on Fulham next week says manager Roy Hodgson who is perplexed as to why reports have suggested the England star was set to take on the Magpies on Saturday.
"I don't know where the stories came from that Gerrard would be fit for Newcastle," Hodgson said.
"We have always been thinking he would be fit to face Fulham the following weekend, it would be much too early to consider him for Newcastle.
"But he is making very good progress, which we are happy with, and he is absolutely on schedule but Newcastle was an unrealistic target."
The 30-year old has missed the Reds' past three matches after straining his hamstring whilst on international duty on November 17.
