Brendan Rodgers: Steven Gerrard return ‘critical’ for Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers admits that it is “critical” for Liverpool to get captain Steven Gerrard back to full fitness as soon as possible.

The England international was a second-half substitute in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Hull City at Anfield as he made his return from the hamstring injury which had kept him out of action since 7 December.

His influence back in the team gives us another player of real quality.

Brendan Rodgers

And Rodgers says it is crucial for the Reds to have the 33-year-old back available ahead of their FA Cup third-round clash against Oldham on Sunday.

“It’s vitally important to have Steven back,” Rodgers told Liverpool’s website. “His influence in the team is critical for us.

“He’s worked tirelessly to get back having been out. We just wanted to get him some minutes on the pitch.

“He wasn’t ready to start the game, but his influence back in the team gives us another player of real quality.

“Over the course of the next 10 days, he’ll get right up to speed and it’s great to have him back.”