Gerard Houllier has not given up hope of Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard being fit to play in next week's Premiership crunch at Chelsea.
Gerrard has been ruled out of Sunday's FA Cup tie at Yeovil, although there is still hope that Michael Owen will be fit to return in the third round match.
A scan on Gerrard's thigh muscle injury acquired on Sunday in the 2-2 draw at Manchester City has definitely ruled the England midfielder out of Liverpool's trip to Somerset to face Yeovil's famed giant
killers.
But despite claims that Gerrard could be out for a fortnight, Houllier will not give up hope until the last minute of playing his star man at Stamford Bridge.
Houllier said: "Stevie is definitely ruled out of the Sunday cup tie, but after that we will see how things go.
"We will know next week if he will be okay for Chelsea. I am not ruling him out at this stage, I hope he will be okay.
"We will have another look at him before the Chelsea match, and see how he is before we make a decision.
There is more hope of Owen's return, with him returning today to full training after thigh and ankle injuries have meant he has played just four games since early October.
A scan has given Owen the go-ahead to return to training, but it is too early to say whether he will be risked at Yeovil, even if there is a greater chance that he will be able to face Chelsea.
Houllier said: "Michael has trained and he has a chance of playing at the weekend.
Liverpool will have French defender Gregory Vignal back at the club next week after his six-month loan at Bastia.
With injuries to defenders Steve Finnan, Salif Diao and Jamie Carragher, the youngster will be a welcome addition to a very depleted squad.