Carroll believes Liverpool are equipped to cope without influential pair

Striker Andy Carroll believes Liverpool have shown they are better placed to cope without the services of influential duo Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. The experienced pair were absent for Saturday's 2-0 win at West Brom and although Carragher's calf problem is unlikely to keep him out for long, the extent of the problem with Gerrard's infected ankle has yet to be determined. Liverpool's captain, pictured leaving hospital on Sunday with his leg in a cast or heavy strapping, is likely to find out in the next 24 hours what course of action needs to be taken to return him to full fitness.
But Carroll, a £35million January signing, has had to play virtually all his short Reds career without Gerrard - who was sidelined for six months in March after a groin operation. In fact, with Carroll's injury problems delaying his debut last season, the pair have been on the pitch together in just four matches.

And Gerrard, Carroll and Luis Suarez, the new focal point of Liverpool's attacking options, have never started a match together. However, the former Newcastle striker is confident the squad now assembled by manager Kenny Dalglish after some significant summer spending is well-equipped to cope with such issues. 'It was tough not having Stevie or Carra in the squad," said the 22-year-old England international.