Gerrard: Suarez return will lift us
Luis Suarez
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the return of Luis Suarez will help the club in their bid to secure a top-four finish and win some silverware.
The Uruguay international returns from his eight-match suspension in in time for Monday's home Barclays Premier League game against Tottenham. With other matches in the next month against Manchester United and Arsenal, plus the Carling Cup final against Cardiff and an FA Cup fifth-round tie versus Brighton, the timing is perfect.
"Luis can help us achieve what we set out to achieve - finishing top four and reaching two finals," Gerrard told BBC Sport. "I'm sure he will because he's a super player. Luis has shown over the last 12 months that he's one of the best players in the world so we want these players available."
Gerrard added: "He has been missed and the players are looking forward to welcoming him back."
Those sentiments were echoed by manager Kenny Dalglish, who has not yet named Gerrard and last January's two major signings Suarez and Andy Carroll in the same starting line-up.
In fact, the trio have been on the field together for just 69 minutes in 12 months but that statistic looks set to be improved upon with all three fit and free from suspension.
Dalglish also hopes Suarez's enforced break will turn out to be a positive for the forward after he had his summer shortened by success in the Copa America with his country.
"Irrespective of what happened before, any situation you find yourself in you have to find a positive and that is what we will try to do," said the Reds boss.
"It is great for everybody that we have Luis back in the squad.
"He's been training a couple of weeks now and he's stayed pretty fit so it is fantastic for us to have him available."
Press Association
