Gerrard could return for Reds on Sunday

The Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard could make his return from a hamstring injury against Manchester City on Sunday. The England midfielder suffered the tear in the Merseyside derby on Feb 4 and was initially expected to be out for three weeks - with the Champions League against Real Madrid thought to be his most likely target. But the Reds manager Rafael Benitez, whose side rely on Gerrard's surging runs and goals from behind the striker, has opened the door for a potential return from the bench at the weekend.

Gerrard has reacted well to treatment and is eager to get back on the pitch as soon as possible. Benitez said: "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. "He wants to play every single game. He knows the game against City will be very important, and also the Real Madrid one too."

* PA Sport