three stars back for liverpool

REMIER Liverpool's injury problems appear to be easing somewhat with the news that Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson should all be fit to feature against Manchester City at the weekend.


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Steven Gerrard came on as a first-half substitute against Birmingham

None of the three have been involved with their respective countries during the international break and of paramount importance to Benitez is the news that his captain, Gerrard, appears to have shaken off a troublesome groin problem.

Gerrard has made only one appearance as a substitute since England's game against Ukraine on October 10 but, along with defenders Agger and Johnson, should be available when Mark Hughes' men come to Anfield on Saturday.

Star striker Fernando Torres will not be available though as he continues to undergo treatment for a groin injury.


"Agger is okay. He had a small problem with his back but he's training," Rafael Benitez told the club's official website. "It was a very good decision from Denmark's manager (to withdraw Agger) because he is much better now. I think he'll be okay for the weekend.

"Johnson has been training. Not full sessions, but training, so hopefully he'll be okay for the weekend too. Gerrard is doing well. He finished a full training session today, so if he can carry on then he'll be okay as well. Fernando Torres is training with the physios, so I don't think he'll be available."

Meanwhile, Benitez is adopting a positive outlook regarding Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera, both of whom were expected to be sidelined for four weeks after sustaining hamstring injuries in a 2-2 draw with Birmingham on November 9. David Ngog should be okay to face City despite breaking his nose on international duty but Fabio Aurelio will miss out.

"I was talking about four weeks but they (Benayoun and Riera) are working hard with the physios and doing special treatments," Benitez said. "We have to check but maybe they'll be back earlier than expected."

"We know Ngog has broken his nose but it's not serious. I am not sure yet because we haven't seen him but I think he'll be okay, it won't be serious. He (Aurelio) is improving but still has a little bit of a problem with his calf. It will be difficult for him to play against Man City."

In further news from Liverpool, the club have completed the signing of Luton Town's Under-15 player Dave Moli for an undisclosed fee.