Gerrard's return cause of concern for Deschamps

DIDIER DESCHAMPS fears Steven Gerrard's return for Liverpool could be the key to tonight's crunch Group A Champions League showdown.

Monaco's coach, once derided as a mere "water carrier" midfielder by Eric Cantona, sees in Gerrard the quality and style that could send Liverpool into the second phase when the sides clash in the Stade Louis II.

Deschamps, who took Monaco to the Champions League final last season, sees Gerrard - back after two months out with a broken foot - as the one man who can significantly influence this showdown on the Riviera.

And Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann, whose long-term Anfield future could be dictated by Gerrard's return, agrees with the Frenchman.

Deschamps said: "Obviously Steven Gerrard is a great player and leader. He is charismatic and a big influence on their team.

"When he is back in their side he is good for their team. He has quality, is a typical modern player and has great technical ability. His return is important for Liverpool and is a problem for us." This time last week, Gerrard was making his tentative 44-minute comeback in a Liverpool reserve match at Telford against Wolves.

Now he finds himself, after a second-half appearance in the Premiership defeat at Middlesbrough, thrust back into the limelight.

Hamann, who may well lose his central midfield place to Gerrard, said: "It is never good to lose your captain, we all know how important he is to our team. He has looked great in training and it's very good to have him back in the squad. He's a very influential player, great going forward and we have been lacking goals recently so his return will be a great boost."

Gerrard cannot wait to return and said: "I hate injuries more than anyone. I had them when I was younger but over the last few seasons I've had a good run.

"I hate watching football and I don't bother to read the papers. I don't read match reports because you know whether you have played well or not and watching the Champions League on TV is difficult because I want to be part of it all. Hopefully from now on my season will be injury free and I can contribute to Liverpool's season on all fronts."

If Liverpool win they are certain of a place in the next stage. Anything else will cause considerable heartache and a death or glory final group match with Olympiacos in the final match in the group.

Liverpool may be crippled by injuries to their front line strikers but they can take heart from the fact that they will be facing a troubled Monaco side. Beaten 3-1 at home by Sochaux on Friday, they were branded "a disgrace" by their own skipper Gael Givet.

Monaco have gone eight league matches without a win and the only successes in their last 11 matches have been in the Champions League against Deportivo and Olympiacos. Their worried players have held a clear-the-air meeting but coach Deschamps insists: "There is no crisis."