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.