Steven Gerrard could miss Liverpool’s trip to Fulham on Saturday with his troublesome groin injury amid speculation the Reds skipper now needs an operation.

The 29-year-old England midfielder was forced to sit out the 2-0 win over Premier League title rivals Manchester United  on Sunday after limping out early on against Lyon in the Champions League last week.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez was hopeful at the start of the week that his talisman would be fit for the trip to Craven Cottage (Liverpool 5/6, Fulham 11/4, the draw 23/10 with Totesport) but now it is looking like the 29-year-old may miss the game.

There is better news for Benitez on key striker Fernando Torres, however, as he should be fit to start in London after missing the midweek Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal.

Summer signing Alberto Aquilani could be named among the substitutes against Roy Hodgson’s men following his impressive 15-minute run-out at the Emirates on Wednesday.

Liverpool will be hoping to build on the momentum created by last weekend’s much-needed win and they have a good recent record at Craven Cottage, winning on their last two visits there.

Hodgson has created a strong-looking Fulham this season, though, and they are in decent form coming back from 2-0 down to claim a draw at Manchester City last weekend following a 1-1 draw at home to Serie A giants Roma in the Europa League.