But Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists Gerrard will then need to rest and will not figure in England's friendly against Germany at Wembley next Wednesday.

Gerrard picked up the injury in Toulouse yesterday when Liverpool won their Champions League third qualifying round first leg tie 1-0.

Benitez is prepared to push his player to the limit to face the Blues but said: "He will then need one or two weeks' rest.

"He will train but he will not be able to join up with England. I will talk to Steve McClaren and I am sure he will understand.

"We have been told by our doctors that this is not a big risk but he will clearly then need to rest after the Chelsea match."

mfl

Gerrard took a painful crack on his foot from French midfielder Pantxi Sireix, the Toulouse player who spent all of yesterday's game man-marking the England star.

That was the only blemish for Reds boss Benitez after his side mastered the sauna-like conditions in France to secure a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg.

Gerrard tried to carry on but was eventually replaced in the 61st minute by Mohamed Sissoko.

mfl