Gerrard And Torres Fit To Play

The pair had sat out their respective nations' international fixtures last week amid concerns for their fitness. Torres had suffered a hamstring injury during the scoreless draw with Aston Villa two weeks ago, while Gerrard had an operation on his groin midweek.

Both had been deemed as extremely doubtful for this weekend's crunch clash in Liverpool, but have now offered Rafa Benitez a major boost.

The Liverpool manager is without a league win over United since taking the reins in 2004, but with his star duo set to feature, his chances may have increased.

Gerrard and Torres took part in a full training session this morning (Friday) at the club's Melwood training complex after recovering from their respective groin and hamstring injuries.

The England midfielder Gerrard was thought to have ruled himself out of contention for the key fixture, but has been deemed fit. Both are included in the match squad for tomorrow's game.

Rafa Benitez told the club's official website: "They are both much better. They came through a full training session this morning. It wasn't a very hard session, but they will both be in the squad. If they are in the squad then they can play.

"It's important for us to have these two players of quality who can change a game. I'm not surprised they are available because the medical staff have done a good job and the players have been working really hard with the physios to get fit."

Peter Staunton