Liverpool latest: Gerrard trains alone and Eriksen link

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard did not take full part in England’s first training session ahead of the match with San Marino. Gerrard is suspended for the clash on Friday but could return to the team for the match against Poland next week. Roy Hodgson has said that he will not take any major risks with his best players ahead of important games.

Former Liverpool striker Roger Hunt has said that manager Brendan Rodgers needs to teach Luis Suarez about diving in England. Suarez has a reputation for routinely diving in order to win his side set pieces in dangerous positions. Hunt suggests that Rodgers needs to guide Suarez further on how to understand what diving means in England and why players get fewer decisions.

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has said the club will not break the bank to keep winger and striker Theo Walcott in place. This could mean a bid from Liverpool in the January transfer window as the Merseyside club are on the hunt for an effective high profile striker to play alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini.

Liverpool will face stiff competition from Arsenal for the signature of Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha. Liverpool have been linked with the player for a number of weeks and they may be forced to show their hand after reports have emerged confirming interest from Arsenal. Palace are thought to be waiting until January when a bidding war could start between the clubs.

Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen has admitted that he is flattered by reports that are linking him with a move to play for Liverpool. Liverpool are rumoured to be looking at a number of high profile attacking midfield players and strikers all over Europe. Brendan Rodgers has made no secret of the fact that he is looking for some extra fire power to help his club in the second half of the season.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has leapt to the defence of main striker Luis Suarez in light of the row surrounding him diving. The Uruguay international was in the headlines following his performance against Stoke City where he appeared to dive for decisions a number of times. Rodgers says Suarez is a victim and is targeted by aggressive players in opposition teams.

Steven Gerrard has said that his Liverpool teammate Jonjo Shelvey deserves to be in the England squad for the World Cup qualifying matches against San Marino and Poland. Shelvey has been called up as cover for the midfield and could feature off the subs bench at some point in either of the two fixtures. Gerrard has defended the selection saying he deserves his place based on his Liverpool performances.

Lverpool midfielder Joe Allen has said that he is determined to put in a match winning performance against Scotland in the country’s next World Cup qualifying match. Allen was part of the Wales side that were humiliated away in Serbia when they were thrashed 6-1. Wales face an uphill struggle if they are to make it to the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

Lewis Doe

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Lewis Doe is a freelance writer and editor who seeks to bring you the biggest, smallest and most interesting stories from the football world. Lewis has previously written for some of the biggest football news and opinion sites in the world including FootballFanCast and Goal.com International. Lewis is also experienced writing in the betting industry and aims to deliver his stories with up to date factual and statistical information. He hopes to sum up stories for the site and provide an angle on the issue moving forward.