Reds hopeful over Gerrard
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes his skipper Steven Gerrard has a good chance of being fit for tomorrow’s Champions League third qualifying round, first leg away to Belgian champions Standard Liege.
Gerrard trained with the squad tonight at Liege’s stadium, and a decision on the England midfielder’s recovery from a thigh injury will be made closer to kick-off.
But Benitez has travelled to Belgium without Irish full-back Steve Finnan, who is believed to have had a disagreement with the Anfield boss over attempts to sell him.
However, Benitez claims Finnan is not fully fit after an injury and operation in the summer.
He also confirmed that midfielder Xabi Alonso will play, even if it means the Spaniard will then be cup-tied in the competition and worth a lot less than the fee Liverpool may want for him.
Provisional team: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena, Kuyt, Gerrard, Alonso, Benayoun, Torres, Keane. Subs(from): Cavalieri, Plessis, Ngog, Spearing, Hyypia, Pennant, Darby.
