Steven Gerrard close to Liverpool return following groin surgery - 7M sport

Steven Gerrard close to Liverpool return following groin surgery



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Posted Wednesday, March 23, 2011 by theguardian.com

• Captain could return to training next week
• Gerrard has outside chance of facing West Brom on 2 April

Steven Gerrard close to Liverpool return following groin surgery
Steven Gerrard was initially ruled out for a month by Liverpool following groin surgery.

The Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, could return to training next week – just over a fortnight after undergoing surgery on a groin problem.

The midfielder was initially ruled out for a month but there is an outside chance he could face West Bromwich Albion – and the former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson – in their Premier League game on 2 April. However, much will depend on the 30-year-old's rehabilitation and he will not be pushed back into action early if he is not fully fit.

Gerrard could also be joined in training next week by Martin Kelly, who has been out with a hamstring injury since late February. There is also positive news over Jonjo Shelvey, who had a knee operation in early February, and Fábio Aurélio (hamstring).

"They're all improving," said the first-team coach, Steve Clarke. "They're our four longer-term injuries, the ones that have been causing us a bit of concern recently, but hopefully they'll all join in training next week.

"If they're in contention for West Brom it's a bonus for us, but if they're not we've got other difficult matches coming up next month against Manchester City and Arsenal and if they're ready for them then it will be good for the football club. It will be a difficult month in April with a lot of tough games, but if we can have our full squad ready to go then we'll look forward to the challenge."

Liverpool are currently four points behind fifth-placed Tottenham, who they must overhaul if they are to qualify for the Europa League next season.



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