Gerrard a doubt for Madrid showdown

Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard faces a race to be fit for the first leg of his side's UEFA Champions League last-16 tie at Real Madrid CF after pulling his left hamstring in the FA Cup fourth round replay defeat against Everton FC on Wednesday.

Bitter blow
The Liverpool captain hobbled off 15 minutes into the 1-0 loss at Goodison Park and the club have confirmed that he faces three weeks on the sidelines. Gerrard's injury is a real blow to the club's Premier League title challenge with games against Portsmouth FC and Manchester City FC to come before the showdown at Santiago Bernabéu on 25 February. He will also now miss England's friendly against Spain next Wednesday.