A fit-again Steven Gerrard is expected to start for Liverpool in the club's Champion League clash against Real Madrid on February 25. The news reported on Thursday that Gerrard returned to training after recovering from a hamstring injury. The Liverpool captain suffered the injury during the club's 0-1 FA Cup defeat to Everton. He tore a muscle in his left leg and was ruled out for a minimum of three weeks and there were apprehensions that he would not be fit to travel to Spain.
After some light running on Monday, Gerrard looked optimistic that he would recover on time to catch a flight to Spain. But he is likely to miss Sunday's Premier League tie against Manchester City only as a precaution.
In related story, Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben said on Tuesday he had some old scores to settle with Liverpool when the meet in the Champion League knockout round next week.
"I want to beat Liverpool because I've lost against them twice in the semi-finals," Robben said.
"Also (Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe) Reina saved a penalty of mine and I would like to take another and score this time."
Robben was at Chelsea when Liverpool beat them on the way to the European Cup final in 2005 and 2007. Two years ago, the match went to penalties after the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate, and Reina saved from Robben and Geremi as Liverpool took the shootout 4-1 at Anfield.
The Dutch international, who left Chelsea for Real in August 2007, has been in sparkling form for the Primera Liga champions and has been a key figure in their recent eight-match winning streak.
"Liverpool are a very strong team, they have a coach who is very good tactically, and they know how they have to play in particular games," he added.
"The most important thing will be to score goals at the Bernabeu. We have to win by more than two goals because the return at Anfield will be tough." The second leg is on March 10.
After some light running on Monday, Gerrard looked optimistic that he would recover on time to catch a flight to Spain. But he is likely to miss Sunday's Premier League tie against Manchester City only as a precaution.
In related story, Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben said on Tuesday he had some old scores to settle with Liverpool when the meet in the Champion League knockout round next week.
"I want to beat Liverpool because I've lost against them twice in the semi-finals," Robben said.
"Also (Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe) Reina saved a penalty of mine and I would like to take another and score this time."
Robben was at Chelsea when Liverpool beat them on the way to the European Cup final in 2005 and 2007. Two years ago, the match went to penalties after the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate, and Reina saved from Robben and Geremi as Liverpool took the shootout 4-1 at Anfield.
The Dutch international, who left Chelsea for Real in August 2007, has been in sparkling form for the Primera Liga champions and has been a key figure in their recent eight-match winning streak.
"Liverpool are a very strong team, they have a coach who is very good tactically, and they know how they have to play in particular games," he added.
"The most important thing will be to score goals at the Bernabeu. We have to win by more than two goals because the return at Anfield will be tough." The second leg is on March 10.
