Liverpool handed Gerrard injury boost
Gerrard back against Manchester City
Tuesday, 17, Nov 2009 01:54
By Michael Younger.
Liverpool have been handed a major injury boost after captain Steven Gerrard declared himself fit to face Manchester City this weekend.
A groin injury sustained while on international duty in October has kept the 29-year-old sidelined for five club matches this season, including the Reds' defeats to Sunderland, Lyon and Fulham, although he made a return as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham City last time out.
He said: "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."
Along with missing a handful of Liverpool matches, the midfielder also missed England's defeat to Brazil at the weekend.
And he continued: "Some of the lowest points in my career have come about when I have had to miss big games for Liverpool and England through injury.
"It's never easy when you have to sit out games against Manchester United or trips away from home in the Champions League.
"If the lads are winning games and doing well, it makes the pain a bit easier so obviously the last couple of weeks have been extra frustrating.
"But I'm feeling good now, a lot stronger than before and it's just a question of getting my match sharpness back now. That is the most important thing."
Liverpool face fellow top four hopefuls City in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off, with the Reds needing a win to jump-start their ailing season.