Source: Telegraph
Liverpool v Manchester United: Rafael Ben?z hoping Gerrard Johnson and Torres will be fit
Manager Rafael Benítez has confirmed that the Liverpool captain will be monitored by the club’s medical team over the weekend before a final decision is made on his ability to face the champions.
Fernando Torres returned to training on Friday following injury, but Benítez admits that Torres, Gerrard and injured full-back Glen Johnson could all be fit for the United game on Sunday.
Benítez said: “We will speak with the physios over the weekend before making a decision about Steven.
“It's the same situation for all the players. Fernando trained today and has been working to a specific programme.
"Hopefully Glen will be available too, but we'll have to wait and see. We will make late decisions with all of them."
Despite earning the public backing of co-owner George Gillett this week, Benítez is under increasing pressure at Anfield following four successive defeats.
A fifth against United would do little to alleviate Benítez’s predicament, particularly as it would leave Liverpool ten points adrift of Sir Alex Ferguson’s team. But Benítez insists that he is in an upbeat mood ahead of one of the biggest fixtures of the season.
He said: "I am really relaxed in terms on my position because I know how we are working on the pitch every day.
“In the past we were doing really good things and we haven't changed too much.
"It's a question of confidence. We know we have to improve but it's about winning the first game now.
"As a manager you know you will have good moments and bad moments. At this moment we know we have to improve, we have to win and it's a question of time.
“I'm sure that once we win the first game, everything will change.
"This game against United could be the right opportunity for us because it's a massive game against our rivals and the fans will be behind the team from the first minute until the last. We can change everything.”
Liverpool’s lack of strength in depth has been identified as a factor behind their struggles so far this season.
But Benítez, who sanctioned the sale of midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid during the summer, claims his squad is good enough to compete for the major trophies.
He said: “I am sure our squad is much better than people think.
“If you have three, four or five players who normally start out injured, then you can't talk about the squad not being strong enough.
"I am sure if you take four or five players from United, Chelsea or Arsenal, it would be very difficult for them to win some games.
"Beating United last season is something positive we can use. Without Gerrard and Torres, the team was really good and the fans enjoyed the day – especially because we were without two very important players.
"So, if we have to do the same in this situation now, we can do it."
