Steven Gerrard has stated that he has suffered no ill-effects after playing his first 90 minutes for Liverpool in over six months in their 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Saturday.
The England international midfielder has been sidelined with a recurring groin problem, but made his comeback in the stalemate against the Premier League champions over the weekend.
Despite feeling the pace of the game, Gerrard has confirmed that he has no concerns after playing the full match.
“I’m stiff and tired, but that’s to be expected. The physios and medical staff knew that (would happen),” he told the side’s official website.
“That’s what I’ve got to do to push on and gain maximum fitness. I still need two or three 90s under my belt to get back to 100 per cent, but I am very pleased at how my groin held up and how my body felt for the first 90. Really pleased,” he stated.
Gerrard gave the Merseyside club the lead with a free-kick in the second half, before United substitute Javier Hernandez grabbed a point for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.
Despite not picking up all three points, Gerrard was happy to get back on the scoresheet.
“It was a great feeling. The last six months have been really frustrating.
“To watch the lads from the stands is not what I like doing – I like to be out there where I can have an impact on games.
“To be out there against United experiencing the emotions against Manchester United – the biggest game against our big rivals – was very enjoyable for me,” he finished.
The return of their skipper will be a real boost for Liverpool, who host Norwich at Anfield next Saturday.
By Gareth McKnight
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]
