REDS HANDED GERRARD INJURY BLOW

Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of Liverpool's crunch encounter with Hull City on Saturday.

The skipper has yet to recover from an adductor injury sustained against Chelsea on April 8 - though he is expected back for next weekend's home game with Newcastle.

Rafa Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "He is not fit and won't be available. I think he will be available next week because he's improving, but this game is too soon.

"The rest of the team is available - we have a full squad."

Victory for Liverpool in the 3pm kick off would see them draw level with league leaders Manchester United, who host Tottenham Hotspur at tea-time.

(c) Liverpoolfc.tv