Liverpool 1
Standard Liege 0
aet, Liverpool win 1-0 on aggregate

Rafael Benitez hailed his European lucky charm Dirk Kuyt as Liverpool scrambled their way into the Champions League group stages and then revealed an operation will put Steven Gerrard out for at least two weeks.

They eventually beat an excellent Standard Liege side 1-0 on aggregate, with Kuyt scoring the winner two minutes from the end of extra-time.

But Benitez's delight with Kuyt's contribution was tempered by the news that skipper Gerrard will have a groin operation later today and miss both of England's World Cup matches against Andorra and Croatia.

He will also be out of Liverpool's trip to Aston Villa on Sunday, and may miss the home game with Manchester United on 13 September.

Liverpool have clearly made a tactical decision to limit Gerrard's loss to the Anfield club by deciding on an operation after last night's game.

England boss Fabio Capello will no doubt be disappointed with that decision, but Liverpool wanted to get the maximum out of their player in the crucial third qualifying round before agreeing to the operation.

Benitez said: "We decided that Steven would play through the pain against Liege and then have the operation.

"He may not be fit for the Manchester United game, but he certainly will be okay for the first group stage match next month."

Benitez revealed that Gerrard, who was clearly struggling last night, has been playing through constant pain this season.

He said: "He has been playing some games in pain, not being 100 per cent fit. He had a problem for the first game with Liege, and also when he went away to play for England in their friendly last week against the Czech Republic.

"We talked with the doctor and it was decided we had to get the situation solved." Talking about Kuyt's match-winning contribution last night, Benitez added: "I was delighted with Dirk Kuyt, his goal was a reward for all the effort he puts in for us. He is amazing.

"His work is tremendous, he keeps going right to the end and makes a tremendous contribution to our side."

Liverpool, despite another worrying display, are now in the group stages draw today in Monaco.

Benitez said: "Obviously there is some relief with the result. We knew it would be a difficult game against a quick, well-organised team."