Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is battling to make their Capital One Cup semifinal with Chelsea.

The 34-year-old was substituted at half-time during Saturday's 1-0 win over Sunderland to protect a tight hamstring.

He has subsequently received treatment at Liverpool's Melwood training base but his involvement in the weekend trip to Aston Villa is in doubt.

With the first leg of the Capital One Cup tie played at Anfield 72 hours later, should Gerrard fail to appear at Villa Park, there would then be a question mark over whether he would be ready to face Jose Mourinho's men.