Gerrard passed fit to face Chelsea

Steven Gerrard has been declared fit to lead Liverpool in their Champions League semi-final first leg at home to Chelsea tomorrow.

The Anfield skipper trained today at Melwood, and afterwards manager Rafael Benitez was able to confirm that the 27-year-old had recovered from the neck injury which ruled him out of Saturday’s Premier League win at Fulham.

Benitez confirmed that he has no new injury problems, with Daniel Agger and Harry Kewell both out long-term.

The Spanish coach made eight changes at Craven Cottage, with Fernando Torres on the bench.

The 30-goal top scorer will face Chelsea, as will Alvaro Arbeloa, Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso – all left out against Fulham.

Provisional squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Lucas, Voronin, Crouch, Torres, Kuyt, Pennant, Itandje.