Capello ponders selection problems

Updated 10.21 Fri Aug 29 2008
Keywords: Rafael Benitez, Fabio Capello, Sir Alex Ferguson

England manager Fabio Capello has been left with a selection conundrum after the withdrawal of key players.

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is set to undergo a groin operation, and Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves will reportedly take part in the European Super Cup for Manchester United.

"I think it will be too early for him. Anybody could play against Andorra. But Croatia is different. That is a very difficult match and you need players who are 100 per cent. He is not ready for that" - Sir Alex Ferguson on Owen Hargreaves

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I think it will be too early for him (Hargreaves). Anybody could play against Andorra. But Croatia is different. That is a very difficult match and you need players who are 100 per cent. He is not ready for that."

Capello, reportedly kept in the dark about Gerrard's injury, is fuming, national newspapers claim.

Although in the past, the England manager has said how happy he is with the support received from leading Barclays Premier League managers.

While both Capello and the FA are said to accept Gerrard needs an operation on his troublesome groin, communication was far from satisfactory.

Capello has told the press his plans for Gerrard against Andorra and Croatia and answered some of the accusations levelled at him about his deployment of England's finest midfielder, most notably from Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp.

But it was only after Liverpool secured their place in the Champions League draw with a 1-0 win over Standard Liege that Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez revealed his intention to withdraw Gerrard from the two internationals.

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