England legend George Cohen has described the withdrawal of several senior players ahead of tonight’s friendly with Germany as “too much of a coincidence”.

Rafael Benitez expects Robbie Keane to be fit for the clash with Fulham, but says it is too early to know if Steven Gerrard will be available.

Newcastle keeper Shay Given has been named Republic of Ireland captain for tomorrow’s friendly at home to Poland after Robbie Keane pulled out injured.

Steven Gerrard has been sent home after having his ‘injury’ assessed by England’s medical staff at the team hotel in Hertfordshire. And Frank Lampard has been ruled out, too.

Holland and Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt admits Liverpool dare not take their foot off the gas in their hunt for a first Barclays Premier League title in 19 years.

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has joined the lengthy list of absentees from the England squad to face Germany after being forced to pull out of Wednesday’s friendly with a leg muscle problem.

Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa insists he is in the dark over supposed interest from Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly monitoring the full-back, with a view to taking him back to Spain.

Liverpool survived a test of character at Bolton to maintain their challenge at the top of the Barclays Premier League - thanks to two headed goals by Gerrard and Kuyt.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has been rewarded for his side’s excellent recent performances by being named Barclays Manager of the Month for October.

DANIEL AGGER says Liverpool cannot afford a repeat of Spurs horror show