Liverpool, who made a slow start to their domestic campaign, have no African players in their squad, while Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are set to lose big names in January.

"Everyone will have blips and some of the teams lose important players with the African Nations," Gerrard told Liverpool's official site.

"It's a long season, there are a lot of games and a lot football to be played yet.

"Chelsea, Tottenham and City have got off to good starts but there is a long way to go before you start predicting who will be up there at the end."

Liverpool will visit West Ham on Saturday, in an attempt to break into the Premier League's top four.