Steven Gerrard’s Substitution ‘Precautionary’ Due To Hamstring Problem

Steven Gerrard might not run to Liverpool’s rescue next weekend. In fact, he might not be able to run at all between now and then.

Gerrard suffered a hamstring injury in the first half of Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday. Gerrard played only the first 45 minutes, and Dejan Lovren replaced him at halftime in what Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers calls a “precautionary” substitution. Gerrard will undergo tests this week to determine the extent of his injury.

“It was just precautionary,” Rodgers said in his postgame press conference. “He’ll have a scan on his hamstring. It just felt a little bit tight, so we’ll just need to manage that and see how it is.”

Gerrard, 34, is Liverpool’s top goal scorer this season with nine in 28 games (in all competitions). Gerrard has been in inspired form since announcing his impending departure last week.

Liverpool dominated the first half against Sunderland, but Gerrard’s injury forced Rodgers to make a tactical changes, which disrupted the flow of Liverpool’s passing game. Gerrard’s injury will hinder the Reds’ pursuit of success if it sidelines him for an extended period of time.