Gerrard return boosts Reds' Champions League survival odds

Liverpool have been given a boost ahead of their crucial Champions League tie with Debrecen by the news that captain Steven Gerrard should be back for the game.

The club currently sit in third place in Group E on four points and are five behind Fiorentina in second place with only two games remaining.

Liverpool travel to Hungary for the game with Debrecen on November 24th and then could face a crunch final match against the Italians at Anfield on December 9th.

They need to win both games to upset the Champions League football odds and qualify from the group, and hope Lyon do them a favour and beat Fiorentina next week, and should be boosted by the return of inspirational midfielder Gerrard, who has been struggling with a groin injury for the last month.

Gerrard is looking to return to the first team for this weekend’s Premier League game with Manchester City and is aiming to inspire his side, as they have lost five league matches already this season.

The England midfielder has said: “I’ve had a problem in my groin that has taken a while to get over but I’m just relieved the second injection seems to have done the trick.

“I’m feeling good now, a lot stronger than before and it’s just a question of getting my match sharpness back now. That is the most important thing.”

The return of Gerrard will be invaluable to boss Rafa Benitez as he could have faced a midfield dilemma as both Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera are expected to be missing for at least the next three weeks.

Liverpool fans will also be buoyed by the news that Fernando Torres is expected to begin training in the next few days as he continues his recovery from treatment on a groin injury.