Steven Gerrard Back In Training But It’s Not All Good News For Liverpool Fans

Anfield skipper back for trip to the Hawthorns but other stars have injury setback.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is back in training ahead of his side’s trip to face former manager Roy Hodgson at the Hawthorns on Saturday.

Along with Jonjo Shelvey, Gerrard is ready to lead the chase to catch Tottenham Hotspur in fifth and gain European qualification for next season.

Liverpool are currently four points behind Spurs, having played a game more so three points against West Bromwich Albion are essential.

But it is not all good news at Anfield as defenders Fabio Aurelio and Martin Kelly have suffered a setback in their recovery from hamstring injuries.

Gerrard underwent groin surgery on March 10 and was expected to be out for a month but manager Kenny Dalglish is delighted his skipper has made a quick recovery.

“Steven’s training so he has done really well to get where he is,” Dalglish told the club’s website.

“Fabio and Martin Kelly have had a setback with their recovery but Jonjo Shelvey is back training,” he added.

“Everyone has come back from the international matches and so far we have not had any injuries reported.”

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Gerrard close to Liverpool return

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard hopes to be fit to return to action against West Brom on Saturday after being out since the start of March.

Gerrard has missed three games since undergoing surgery on a groin injuury sustained in the 3-1 win over Manchester United on 6 March. "I'm hoping to be in full training on Thursday and available for selection for the weekend," he said.

"It's up to Kenny [Dalglish] whether he thinks I'm ready or not." Liverpool are sixth in the Premier League table, four points behind Tottenham, who have a game in hand, but Gerrard believes they can still snatch a European place next season, with Dalglish's inspirational qualities being a significant factor.

"Our league form since Kenny came in is the best in the league so it's really positive," Gerrard told talkSPORT. "He is a players' manager. Players like playing for him because he talks to them, he's honest with them. We're hoping Kenny can bring the glory days back. We know there's a lot of hard work to do yet but there has been an improvement.

"We're just going to try to win the rest of our games and try to finish as high as we can. The aim for us is to try to sneak back into Europe come the end of the season." Gerrard also said the Reds' new-look front pairing of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez could prove decisive.

"We believe now that we've got the most feared strikeforce in the league," he said. "One thing that's important to remember with Andy is that he's superb on the floor. If we are in a difficult game or we are chasing a game we can be more direct but the good thing is, because we can mix it up, we can play either way now. We can play in behind, we can play long and with Suarez running off him. It gives us a whole new dimension."

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Gerrard - Capello called me

The manager spoke to me. He spoke to me and just explained what he'd been doing - he didn't have to.

Steven Gerrard
Quotes of the week

Steven Gerrard has revealed Fabio Capello spoke to him about the England captaincy - even if he ignored deposed skipper Rio Ferdinand.

The Italian has come under criticism after performing a U-turn and handing the armband back to John Terry, having previously stripped him of the job for his off-field behaviour.

Capello did not speak to Ferdinand about his decision despite being at Old Trafford for Manchester United's UEFA Champions League game with Marseille earlier this month.

But Gerrard, who is the vice-captain, told Goals on Sunday that the England coach called him to explain the situation, even though he was not part of the squad for the Wales game.

"I did actually get a call," revealed the Liverpool midfielder. "The manager spoke to me. He spoke to me and just explained what he'd been doing - he didn't have to.

"The manager's paid to make big decisions and he's made the decision and I think we all have to respect it and move on."

Gerrard, who captained England at the 2010 World Cup, also gave his backing to Terry, even though he had some sympathy for Ferdinand.

But he also insisted the England players were fully behind Capello's decision and called for a line to be drawn under the whole incident.

"The captaincy's very important and I'm really pleased for John that he's got it back because I know what it means to him," he said.

"I know he's been frustrated since he lost it.

"We have to all respect the manager's decision. The good thing is that we went on and won the game and played well.

"We can all move on from the captaincy thing now. Everyone's obviously upset for Rio because he hasn't done anything wrong to lose it."

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Gerrard eyes Liverpool return

22 Mar 2011 - 16:00:09

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard could return to training next week - just over a fortnight after undergoing surgery on a groin problem.

The midfielder had his operation on March 10 and was initially ruled out for a month but there is an outside chance he could face West Brom - and former Reds manager Roy Hodgson - at the Hawthorns on April 2.

However, much will depend on the 30-year-old's rehabilitation and he will not be pushed back into action early if the club's medical staff are not certain he is fully fit.

In a boost for manager Kenny Dalglish, Gerrard could be joined in training next week by Martin Kelly (hamstring). There is also positive news over Jonjo Shelvey, who had a knee operation in early February, and Fabio Aurelio (hamstring).

"They're all improving. Fingers crossed, we will have Martin Kelly and Steven Gerrard back training by the middle of next week," said first team coach Steve Clarke.

"We hope the same for Jonjo Shelvey, who has been out for a long time. Fabio Aurelio is also making good progress. They're our four longer-term injuries, the ones that have been causing us a bit of concern recently, but hopefully they'll all join in training next week."

Liverpool have been fortunate in that the forthcoming international matches mean they have had only two Barclays Premier League games and two Europa League fixtures in March.

Next month is busier, with key games against Manchester City and Arsenal, but the first target is the Baggies and to have the likes of Gerrard and Kelly back would be a significant boost as they attempt to reel in fifth-placed Tottenham.

"We'll have to look at the situation when we get them back and see what shape they're in," added Clarke.

"If they're in contention (for West Brom) it's a bonus for us, but if they're not we've got other difficult matches coming up next month and if they're ready for them then it will be good for the football club. It will be a difficult month in April with a lot of tough games, but if we can have our full squad ready to go then we'll look forward to the challenge."

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