Gerrard verdict a huge boost to Benitez

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez was delighted his captain Steven Gerrard could now “focus on football” after being cleared of affray yesterday.

This has not been the smoothest of pre-seasons for Benitez, and the Far East tour this week has been dogged by a succession of problems.

Injuries to Martin Skrtel and Nabil El Zhar which forced the players to return to England for treatment have come on top of the continued transfer saga surrounding Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Alvaro Arbeloa.