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Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard - Source: Reuters
Liverpool FC have received a massive boost ahead of their crucial clash against Manchester City on Sunday (NZT) with influential skipper Steven Gerrard tipped to return.
Gerrard, who rescued a point for the Reds against Birmingham before the international break, has been laid off for several weeks with a recurring groin injury.
"Gerrard is doing well. He finished a full training session today so, if he can carry on, then he'll be okay. Fernando Torres is training with the physios so I don't think he'll be available," coach Rafa Benitez is quoted as saying on Wednesday.
Gerrard, who has had to watch his beloved side lose to Fulham and Lyon in the lucrative Champions League since being sidelined is now fit and raring to go.
"I felt very tired after the game, as I wasn't really ready to return (against Birmingham) and I'd done very little training in the three weeks beforehand.
"It took me two or three days to recover from that game but I have spent the past week doing strengthening work and 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 has 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," England international Gerrard is quoted as saying in the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, Ngog, whose controversial tumble during the sides last Premier League game against Birmingham landed the Reds the penalty, is also fit to start after breaking his nose on duty with the France U21 squad this week.
Benitez would resign
Meanwhile, Benitez has told the club's American owners he will quit if Fernando Torres is sold against his will - even if the cash-strapped club were offered 100 million pounds for the Spanish goal ace.
The club's debts, reported to be in the region of 500 million pounds, have led to questions about whether Hick and Gillett would be tempted to sell their star should a big money offer come in.
But Benitez, who brought the player to Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in 2007, said "I'm confident it will never happen, (but). If it did, I'd resign."
