DIRK KUYT is confident Liverpool are ready for the “big week” that could propel them back into the championship race.

But the Anfield outfit are almost certain to be without skipper Steven Gerrard for tomorrow’s trip to Fulham.

The captain has been given every chance to recover from the adductor problem that has seen him play just 25 minutes of Liverpool’s last four games.

Rafael Benitez admitted after Wednesday’s Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal that it would be “difficult” for Gerrard to be available at Craven Cottage.

And while Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson will return, Benitez is already planning without his talismanic skipper, who must now be considered a doubt for Liverpool’s must-win Champions League clash in Lyon on Wednesday.

Defeat at the Emirates was Liverpool’s fifth in their last six games, but Kuyt reckons the encouraging performance of a much-changed line-up has continued the momentum built by last weekend’s victory over bitter North West rivals Manchester United.

“The Carling Cup always gives a chance to players who maybe don’t play as much in the Premier League, but we wanted to keep our momentum going,” said Kuyt. “Although we didn’t win, I think we did that against Arsenal.

“We can go to Fulham with a lot of confidence because everyone knows this week coming is a big week for us.

“A few very big games are coming up, and if we can beat Fulham we can get back in the title race.

“We are ready for a big week. This defeat won’t stop us being ready.