Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Juventus because of a groin injury.

Liverpool captain Gerrard picked up the injury during the 1-0 defeat against Manchester City and did not travel with the squad to Turin.

Gerrard received intensive treatment on Sunday, but has failed to recover. The loss of their talismanic skipepr is a huge blow to Liverpool as they seek to preserve their 2-1 lead against Juventus.

Liverpool may now have little option but to turn to Xabi Alonso who is fit again after breaking his leg on 1 January

However, the Spaniard has played only 45 minutes of reserve team football since breaking his ankle against Chelsea and his return would represent a huge gamble on the part of coach Rafael Benitez.

Liverpool are hopeful that Gerrard will be fit to return for next weekend’s Premiership clash with Tottenham.