Gerrard on course for Liverpool return

Steven Gerrard may return from his hamstring tear injury against Manchester City on Sunday after missing three weeks of Liverpool’s Premier League title campaign.

The upcoming Champions League clash with Real Madrid had been seen as Gerrard’s likelier return date but coach Rafael Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv that the skipper had reacted well to treatment and was champing at the bit.

“He is improving. In these situations each day is important. He is working with the medical staff and is progressing.

“Normally he is a player who recovers quickly. He needs less time than other players,” Benitez said.

“Maybe he could be on the bench against City but we don’t know.

“He wants to play every single game. He knows the game against City will be very important, and also the Real Madrid one too.”

Gerrard picked up the injury in the FA Cup fourth-round replay defeat by city rivals Everton.

Without him, reigning champions Manchester United have pulled two points clear of the Merseysiders at the top of the English Premiership with a game in hand.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have won the trophy ten times since Liverpool’s last success in 1990.