Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hopes to have Steven Gerrard back for Wednesday's Champions League tie against Marseille. Gerrard missed Saturday's goalless draw at home to Fulham with the groin problem which also kept the midfielder out of England's friendly in Germany last week.
But Benitez, who insisted Gerrard's absence should not be an excuse for his team's poor display against Fulham, revealed the Liverpool captain is back in training and should be ready for the Anfield clash. "We will always miss a player of Stevie's ability, but we did not beat Fulham because five or so players were all off form together," Benitez said. "He would have made a difference, yes, but it should not be an excuse. "He is training now and I would expect that he would be fit to play against Marseille on Wednesday."