The Reds host Mark Hughes' team at Anfield on the back of a frustrating week which saw them fire blanks against Utrecht in the Europe League on Wednesday.
And Hodgson is doubtful as to whether his talismanic captain will play any part in his squad, with Gerrard still nursing a hamstring injury sustained on England duty in November.
Hodgson was due to hand striker Fernando Torres a start against the Dutch outfit in midweek, but withdrew the Spaniard at the last minute.
And the 63-year-old is likely to show similar caution when deciding on Gerrard, saying: "He is training hard, he trains every day and there are no days off for Steven.
"He is desperate to get back but, with my recent history of saying things and not getting them right, I should be extremely cagey and say I have no idea if he will be there or not.
"There will be no more bold statements from me on any player, at least for the foreseeable future."
Hodgson has been accused of being too reserved when it comes to throwing players back into the fray after taking counsel from his medical staff.
But the Anfield chief, facing his former club for the first time at the weekend, says he would prefer to send his players into battle rawer than his experts would like.
"Whenever we, old fashioned football coaches that we are, see a player bombing up and down in straight lines, running without any problems and looking as fit as a fiddle we immediately think he can be thrust into the next game," he added.
"They are a bit more scientific in their approach."
Defender Daniel Agger is also unlikely to make an appearance on Saturday as the Dane continues to struggle with a calf problem.
Hodgson had hoped to have his centre-back enforced available, however that goal looks to have been too optimistic.
"Agger is slightly behind Steven (in terms of fitness) but not far," said the manager.
"I was given a prediction for him but I'm not going to tell you because it might turn out to be wrong and I'll get the blame for it."
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