With their third Champions League semi-final meeting in four years just days away the mind games appear to have begun at Anfield and Stamford Bridge.

After being left out of the starting line-up against Fulham yesterday it has emerged that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is apparently a doubt for the first leg at Anfield.

While, as has recently been the case around this time, the Chelsea manager has made clear his admiration for the England international, claiming: "If you can bring him to me, I will be happy."

The 27-year-old Gerrard missed the 2-0 win over Fulham with a neck injury and Benitez is unsure if he will be fit to face the Blues at Anfield.

Benitez said: "I was talking with the physios today (Saturday) and he [Gerrard] is improving but it is still too soon [to say if he will be fit for Chelsea]."

He added: "You always have to be careful with the neck - he has been scoring a lot of goals with his head."

Grant, it appears, would like nothing more than for the skipper to play.

"Gerrard is a great player and a great person," said the Chelsea manager, whose predecessor Jose Mourinho was also a big admirer of the Scouser. "For me, he is the player of the year in England, and maybe in Europe, because of the influence he has on the team.

"I like him very much as a player and I know him. He is a nice guy and an example to others. He plays against me but he is still my favourite player.

"If you can bring him to me, I will be happy."