Liverpool are expecting to be without Steven Gerrard for up to six weeks after the midfielder pulled up with a hamstring injury during Saturday’s 4-1 victory over West Ham at Anfield.

The Reds skipper pulled up with the problem in the second half and immediately signaled his intentions to be substituted to the Liverpool bench.

Gerrard underwent tests on Sunday, but Chris Bascombe writes in Monday’s Telegraph that the signs are not good for the England international:

Gerrard had tests at the club’s training ground on Sunday, but the early indications were not promising with the possibility of at least a month on the sidelines.

The news will come as a major blow to Liverpool and Gerrard, who has started all fifteen Premier League games for the club this season.

The Reds go into a tricky run of games to end 2013 – starting with a trip to Tottenham next Sunday where they’ll be looking for a win to close the five point gap on league leaders Arsenal.

Following that, they face Cardiff City at home, before away games at Manchester City and Chelsea to end the year.

Welsh international Joe Allen started alongside Gerrard in midfield against West Ham, and will now most likely partner Brazilian Lucas in Gerrard’s absence.

There is expected to be official confirmation on the extent of Gerrard’s hamstring injury on Monday from the club.