Gerrard set for Blackpool return

Roy Hodgson has confirmed Steven Gerrard will return to Liverpool's starting line-up this weekend as he explained why his captain has been given a midweek break.

Gerrard was a notable absentee from the squad that flew to Holland yesterday but Hodgson insisted there was nothing sinister behind the decision.

"We decided we would spare him because if he is playing three games in a week we might lose him for a longer period," said the manager.

"Luckily in central midfield I have plenty of options so it was a possibility not to use him in this game, which we think will serve us in good stead in the future.

"He suffers from back pain and we didn't want to exaggerate that by playing him Thursday and Sunday.

"If this had been a decisive game in the group and we needed a positive result to get us through he would have played.

"I've got 23 good players to choose from and I chose to leave one out because he is very important and in the next 40-odd games we would like to play rather than put him in and take a risk. But Gerrard was the only one of our first team squad where we discussed should he or should he not play."

Liverpool's medical staff have discussed the possibility of Gerrard having an injection to ease any issues with his back, with Hodgson suggesting in his pre-match press conference that could take place after the Anfield date with Blackpool.

However, while it is a course of treatment which is available to them it is not being "actively pursued" at this stage, according to the club officials.

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