'Stevie return will make us even better'
Brendan Rodgers today explained how Steven Gerrard's forthcoming return to match fitness will only enhance Liverpool's in-form squad.
The captain has not featured for the Reds since suffering a hamstring problem during the 3-2 Anfield victory over Tottenham Hotspur on February 10.
He is back out on the Melwood training pitches, however, working hard in his rehabilitation to be available for the side's pivotal season run-in.
Rodgers revealed at his pre-match press conference that Gerrard is still being assessed ahead of Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final with Blackburn Rovers.
But the manager is keenly anticipating the option to select the No.8, with a trip to Wembley and Champions League qualification on the objective list.
"We've still got a couple of days to go yet with Steven, he's obviously with the rehabilitation team," said Rodgers. "So we'll assess it in the next couple of days.
"The team is playing very well, but it will be important just to get Steven back and available for selection - that's the most important element.
"He's very much a team player; if he was on the bench because the team is in good form and playing well, everyone respects that.
"I've shown in my time here that if players are performing well - irrespective of status or price - they play. Simple as that.
"But, for me, the most important thing in the first case is having Steven available. He's an outstanding player still and to have him back will make our squad a better squad."