Gerrard set for Liverpool return against Man United

LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard is finally set for a return to first team action this weekend after a seven month lay-off. The Kop talisman is in contention for a starting berth against champions Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday, one of the biggest games of the season.  

His last appearance came against the same opponents on March 6 and the England midfielder has been sidelined by persistent groin problems since that match. Initially he was expected to miss just four weeks, but Gerrard suffered repeated setbacks and was forced to undergo career-saving surgery in April.
 
It has been a long road back to fitness since then, and Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has taken a patient approach with his captain, refusing to rush the 31-year-old back into the side before he is ready.
 
But now it seems that Gerrard it fit enough to reclaim his place in the Liverpool starting XI against their fiercest rivals. He has been stepping up his recovery in recent weeks, making three substitute appearances, most recently in the derby win over Everton on October 1. Since then he has benefited from two clear weeks of training over the international break and is now believed to be ready for the stiff test of facing the champions.

However, Dalglish must now try and fit Gerrard into his new-look midfield. Although Gerrard is an Anfield legend the club has moved on while he has been on the sidelines and Dalglish made several expensive signings over the summer. One of those who will be vying with the England man is Jordan Henderson, a £20m arrival from Sunderland in the summer. But he has welcomed the increased competition for places. "I am not really worried about [Gerrard's return]. I think its part and parcel of football,” he said. "Stevie is a massive player and is going to play in most games but I just need to concentrate on what I need to do and make sure I work hard every day in training.". 

Dalglish is in no doubt about the contribution his captain can make. "A fit Steven Gerrard strengthens this football club, no question. If you have Steven in your squad, it's going to raise the profile and standard," he said.
 
The question in the minds of Liverpool, and United, fans will be whether he can still produce the kind of barnstorming performance that made him a legend in the first place. ·