Liverpool Football Club News

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Rafa tips duo to face United

12 Sep 2008 - 15:14:19

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is confident both Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will be fit enough to face Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime.

Gerrard missed England's wins in Andorra and Croatia after undergoing a minor groin operation, while Torres has recovered from a hamstring tear.

"They are both much better," said Benitez. "They came through a full training session on Friday morning.

"It's important for us to have these two players of quality who can change a game.

"I'm not surprised they are available because the medical staff have done a good job and the players have been working really hard with the physios to get fit."

Gerrard had said last week that he did not think he would have recovered in time for the vital game, saying: "The United game is too soon.

"I've a decent chance for the Champions League game in Marseille, but I've spoken to the manager and told him I'd like to do a certain amount of training before I come back.

"I don't want to go into a big game only having had one session with the boys."

Gerrard also defended the timing of his surgery after coming under fire for missing England duty in order to correct a long-running problem.

"The decision about surgery was taken after our game against Standard Liege. I had a meeting with the club doctor on the day of the game and said the discomfort was getting to the stage where I couldn't continue," he explained.

"I'd had to double, then treble, my dose of painkillers to train and play, and I was having to take them during games. You get to the stage where you can't grind it out any longer.

"I couldn't sprint flat out, couldn't pass more than 30 yards and couldn't shoot properly and, as much as you want to be out there for every game, it is important to be right.

"There are times when you've got to forget about England and Liverpool and get yourself right."