Liverpool boosted by Gerrard return

Liverpool embark on their Champions League trip to Madrid today boosted by Steven Gerrard’s inclusion in the squad, and with open defiance over their faltering title challenge back home.

The 28-year-old was cleared yesterday to lead the team at the Bernabeu tomorrow in the Champions League last 16 first-leg against a rejuvenated Real Madrid, who have won their last nine La Liga fixtures.