Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will more than likely be rested for Thursday night's Europa League meeting with Sparta Prague.
The star midfielder has not played for the Reds since hurting his adductor muscle in the February 6 win over Chelsea and it looks as though Kenny Dalglish will withdraw from the Round of 32 clash with the Czech outfit at Anfield.
"Steven is almost there but we've got to take a long-term view," the Scotsman said.
Liverpool's tie with Sparta is carefully balanced after the scoreless draw in the first leg last week and the loss of Gerrard will make things no easier for the Merseysiders.
