Kenny Dalglish avoids Luis Suarez questions as verdict expected

Suarez confronts Evra in the match between Liverpool and Manchester United (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has not contemplated what his team would be like without the influential Luis Suarez.

The Uruguay international is the club's top scorer this season with eight goals and his impact since arriving in January has been pivotal to the Reds' form.

Suarez is awaiting the outcome of a decision from an independent panel over a Football Association charge that he racially abused Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

It has been suggested should he be found guilty he could face a lengthy ban but with an announcement pending Dalglish said it was not an issue he had given much thought to.

Asked whether he had considered what being without Suarez would mean the Scot said: "We don't have to unless he is injured and fortunately he hasn't been injured so we don't have to consider what the team would be like.

"We will just wait and see what happens."

On whether the team would play differently if Suarez, who has featured in all but one of Liverpool's matches this season, Dalglish replied: "We'll cross that bridge if we have to cross it."

Liverpool travel to Wigan tomorrow and Latics manager Roberto Martinez said not knowing whether Suarez would be playing was affecting his planning.

Dalglish pointed out there were other dimensions and changes to his team that opposition managers should also be considering.

"If he is identifying Luis as a danger man then fine but I don't see how it prevents him from planning," added the Reds boss.

"I don't think Luis is the only player that has to worry about whether he is playing or not.

"It has not affected us particularly."

PA