Gerrard has a broken toe and has been forced to rest for the last week, missing England's friendly with Germany and Liverpool's win at Sunderland. He is also sitting out the club's second leg UEFA Champions League qualifier with Toulouse today and is a big doubt for Saturday's Premier League match with Derby.

With England due to link-up next week - Benitez says he will tell Gerrard when he is ready to play.

"Stevie can train and run but obviously he is not playing with the rest of the team or touching the ball."

England face Israel and Russia next month, two games which will go a long way to deciding their Euro 2008 fate, and coach Steve McClaren will be desperate to include Gerrard when he names his squad later this week.

Labels: european qualifiers, Gerrard