Steven Gerrard’s International Match Injury Angers Liverpool Medical Staff

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Nov 17, 2010

Steven Gerrard's International Match Injury Angers Liverpool Medical Staff Watching Steven Gerrard limp off the field during an international match was the last thing the staff at Anfield wanted to see on Wednesday night.

According to a report by ESPN.com, two members of Liverpool's medical staff tweeted their angry reactions to the Liverpool captain suffering a hamstring injury in the 85th minute of play against France.

"Unbelievable from all associated with England and English FA with regard to SGs [Gerrard's] injury," Liverpool head of fitness and conditioning Darren Burgess said. "Completely ignored agreement and past history. Completely amateurish and now we pay for their incompetence. Absolutely disgraceful."

The "agreement," referred to by Burgess was one that was reportedly made between Liverpool and England. According to the report, England had agreed that Gerrard would only play for 60 minutes of the match, in order to keep the forward rested for the Reds' upcoming matchup against West Ham.

Liverpool's physical therapist Chris Morgan, also reacted to Gerrard's extended playing time during England's 2-1 loss.

"Stevie getting injured … more evidence if it was needed of why I hate internationals," Morgan's tweet read.

England's manager Fabio Capello defended his decision, saying England needed a leader out on the pitch after two other veteran players went down with injury. He made the game-time decision to leave Gerrard in to lead the young English squad.

"We spoke with Steve and he said he would play one hour, but after [Gareth] Barry's injury we had some problems," Capello said. "That was the reason he stayed on the pitch. If it's possible, the players will play the time we agreed with the club. But Barry was really injured so we needed someone senior on the pitch because it was a really young team. He said he was good. We're upset about what happened to Steve, of course.''

Rio Ferdinand was also out with injury for the match at Wembley, as he was dealing with a muscle problem.

Gerrard suffered the injury after colliding with France midfielder, Yoann Gourcuff. He was replaced by Peter Crouch for the remainder of the match. The Liverpool captain told reporters "it's not good," when leaving the stadium.

Gerrard is scheduled to undergo a scan on Thursday to further assess the severity of the injury. 

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