Source: Daily_Mail
Cagey Roy Hodgson plays down talk of Steven Gerrard return
Steven Gerrard is ready to make his long-awaited return to Liverpool's squad on Saturday by taking a place on the bench for the game against Fulham - but manager Roy Hodgson won't rush him.The England international has not played since tearing his hamstring in a friendly against France last month.He initially hoped to be back within 'three to four weeks' but was forced to abort a bid to play at Newcastle last weekend when he suffered a slight setback when attempting to do some light jogging on December 1. Comeback trail: Steven Gerrard is ready to return for Liverpool against FulhamHowever, Gerrard has trained without problem at Melwood this week and he will be in the 18-man party for the evening kick-off against Hodgson's former club.But Hodgson will not ask too much too soon of his captain - who hasmissed the last six games - ahead of the hectic Christmas period andwill ease Gerrard back into action as a substitute. Sitting out: Gerrard has been sidelined for a month after getting injured on international dutyHe is refusing to confirm Gerrard will play a part however, and said: '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.' Liverpool set to be priced out of market by Zenit if they make a bid for Anyukov Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt insists Reds are well placed to win Europa LeagueAurelio outlines 12-point plan to bring Christmas cheer to Liverpool LIVERPOOL FC