New injury lay-off for Steven Gerrard a blow to Liverpool and England

Liverpool have confirmed that Steven Gerrard will miss the club's Premier League encounter with Swansea City on Saturday, as well as England's forthcoming friendly matches against Spain and Sweden, after undergoing treatment for the ankle infection he suffered over the weekend. The news is a blow for the midfielder who had only recently returned from a six-month lay-off having undergone surgery on a groin problem. This latest setback originated from a cut Gerrard sustained to his right ankle in training on Friday, forcing him to miss Liverpool's 2-0 win at West Bromwich Albion the following day. "Steven Gerrard has now undergone treatment to clear out all infection from his right ankle, which has been placed in a protective plaster cast," read a statement on the club's official website. "The player will not be available for this weekend's game against Swansea City or for the upcoming England friendlies against Spain and Sweden. Steven will now continue his rehabilitation programme under the guidance of the Club's medical staff." Gerrard has not played for England since a 2-0 friendly defeat to France almost a year ago. His absence from the national team's upcoming fixtures – they face Spain at Wembley on 12 November and Sweden, at the same venue, three days later – is a setback for him and the manager, Fabio Capello, with Euro 2012 looming.