by kazza » Tue Nov 09, 2004 2:35 pm
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez expects Steven Gerrard to be back in contention for a first-team place within a fortnight.
England international Gerrard has not featured for The Reds since fracturing a bone in his foot against Manchester United in September.
Gerrard has been training for around a week and took part in his first full session on Monday, much to the delight of Benitez.
"Steven has made very good progress and we expect him to be back in the team within two weeks," said the Spanish coach.
"He is training now and it is just a question of match fitness."
Benitez could hand Gerrard an outing in the reserves against Wolves next Monday, with a first-team return against Middlesbrough a week on Saturday a distinct possibility.
Benitez's treatment room would appear to be emptying, as Spanish star Antonio Nunez has been given the green light to resume training following knee surgery.
Nunez damaged his knee shortly after moving to Anfield from Real Madrid and has yet to feature for The Reds, but he is now back in training and champing at the bit to return.
"I hope I'll be back in action very quickly now," stated Nunez.