Gerrard set to return against Manchester City

17 November 2009 12:57
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is confident of being fit for Saturday's high-profile league meeting with Manchester City.

Gerrard has started just eight of the Reds' 12 Premier League games this season after struggling to shake off a persistent groin injury.

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But after returning to action as a second-half substitute during their last game and converting a match-saving penalty in the 2-2 with Birmingham City, the talismanic midfielder has declared himself fit for the weekend visit of Mark Hughes' side.

Gerrard missed England's friendly against Brazil in Qatar on Saturday to continue his recovery with the Liverpool medical staff.

"I felt very tired after the (Birmingham) game as I wasn't really ready to return. I'd done very little training in the three weeks beforehand," he explained.

"It took me two or three days to recover from that game but I've spent the past week doing strengthening work. I'm feeling a lot better now. I'm looking forward to the weekend. There's no mental hurdle to cross.

"I've had a problem in my groin that's taken a while to get over but I'm just relieved the second injection seems to have done the trick.

"It's a case of so far so good and the aim now is to make sure I get a good week's training under my belt so I'm ready for the game with City."

Source: DSG