MARSEILLE skipper Lorik Cana has claimed Liverpool are nothing like as good a side when Steven Gerrard is not playing.

The 25-year-old Albanian arrived on Merseyside with the French side aware that Gerrard was close to a return to action, following a torn muscle, in tonight’s Champions League Group D clash at Anfield.

Cana said: “Maybe it would help us if he was not playing. But as a professional you always want to play against the very best to see whether you measure up. And he is one of the best in his position in the world.”

Since Marseille triumphed at Anfield 13 months ago, Gerrard has scored three goals in two games against them.

Cana said: “Steven Gerrard is the emblem of the club and the talisman of the side. Liverpool without Gerrard are not the same as Liverpool with him in their side.

“He scored two at our place, and was outstanding. We are not sure whether he will be playing and of course you want to play against the very best, to test yourself against someone like that.

“But if he plays it will harder for us, he is certainly one of the best in the world in his position.

“But we do not believe Liverpool are as good without him as they are with him.”