sport news

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of the Champions League match with Lyon on Wednesday because of a groin injury.

However, the Reds have been boosted by the news that striker Fernando Torres was fit enough to travel despite suffering a similar injury.

But Liverpool still have injury concerns after Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio both stayed behind, although Alberto Aquilani and Diego Cavalieri (both flu) made the trip.

Daniel Agger and David Ngog also travelled but Martin Skrtel, Martin Kelly, Albert Riera and Philipp Degen are all ruled out.

Lyon have been struggling with injuries in defensive positions this season, with midfielder Jeremy Toulalan often starting at centre-back.

Swedish midfielder Kim Kallstrom is in contention after returning from injury after coming off the bench in the Ligue 1 win over St-Etienne.