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Steven Gerrard is fit and ready for Liverpool’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Aston Villa on Sunday, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.
The Reds captain has been out for three games after he was sent off for a stamp on Ander Herrera in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield last month.
But Rodgers, when asked about Gerrard’s availability ahead of the match against Villa, said he would be in contention for a starting place after he came through a behind closed doors match unscathed.
“He is definitely ready,” said Rodgers. “He played a behind closed doors game on Monday in which he and a few of the other players played. Steven is fine.”
Ever since the FA Cup final date was announced as Saturday, May 30, the same as Gerrard’s birthday, there has been a level of expectation on Liverpool’s performances in the competition.
If Liverpool successfully reach the final that will be the 34-year-old’s final game for Liverpool before he leaves at the end of the season to join Los Angeles Galaxy.
Rodgers still understands that whatever the situation, the midfielder is always capable of changing the outcome of a game.
He added: “He is a special footballer and Wembley is somewhere he knows very well. But whether he plays or doesn’t play, he will be a very important player for us on any day.”
