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Gerrard in Reds’ starting 11 for United clash

Comment: 0 October 11th, 2011 by: admin

FINALLY, Steven Gerrard will make his much-awaited return to Liverpool’s starting roster on Saturday.

That will happen when the Reds take on leaders Manchester United in an explosive Premier League matchup at Anfield.

Gerrard will end his seven-month absence after being nursed back to full fitness following a long-standing groin injury.

Liverpool coach Kenny Dalglish has slowly eased the Red captain back to top shape with three substitute appearances against Brighton, Wolves and Everton.

After admitting he was still not 100 percent match fit, the 31-year-old Gerrard was left out of the England side for the Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro recently. But he regained his road back to top form by spending extra time at Liverpool’s Melwood training quarters.

Gerrard impressed Dalglish after an inspiring show in a recent training, prompting the latter to select him in his starting 11 for only the seventh time in his tenure.

“A fit Steven Gerrard strengthens this football club, no question,’’ said Dalglish. “If you have got some like Steven in your squad, it is going to raise the profile and the standard. We want to have a strong squad and him being in it makes it that much stronger.’’

The veteran midfielder was forced to miss the start of the 2011-2012 season after contracting an infection in his groin last July.

In their last meeting six months ago, Liverpool subdued Manchester United 3-1, also at Anfield, with Dirk Kuyt completing a hat-trick.

Already hurting, Gerrard finished that match with the aid of a pain-killing injection as the Liverpool staff initially thought he would be out for no longer than four weeks.

However, he eventually broke down during training ahead of a visit to West Brom on April 2 and required an operation.

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