Steven Gerrard set to miss crucial Christmas fixtures for Liverpool

The England captain will be out for around a month

Liverpool saw Steven Gerrard limp off in the second half during the 4-1 win over West Ham (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has somewhat eased Liverpool's injury woes with the news that he will be out for around a month - two weeks less than he was expected to be.

The England captain has been out since picking up a hamstring injury in the recent 4-1 victory over West Ham, and underwent scans earlier this week.

The initial prognosis was that the 33-year-old could be out for six weeks, but Gerrard should now be back shortly after the new year.

It still means he will miss the busy Christmas schedule during which Liverpool will play away at Tottenham before a home game against Cardiff City. The final two games of the year are on the road against Manchester City and Chelsea.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is already having to mastermind how the Reds will cope without Daniel Sturridge who is out for up to two months.

PA