Benitez hopeful Gerrard will be fit

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez remains hopeful captain Steven Gerrard will shake off his thigh injury and face Standard Liege in Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier.

The England midfielder will travel to Belgium on Tuesday ahead of the first leg of the third qualifying round match.

Gerrard sustained his injury in last Tuesday’s friendly against Valerenga but Liverpool are eager to have their most influential player with them for an important early game in their season.

Benitez said on www.liverpoolfc.tv: “I was talking with him this morning and he will go with us to Belgium.

“He is progressing really well but we will check tomorrow after training. I will speak with the doctor and with Steven and then decide.”