Gerrard likely to be back at Boro

The Kopite favourite has been out for the past month but according to Rafa Benitez, providing Gerrard continues to progress in training this week, there is a good chance he will make his comeback.

Benitez said: " He is kicking and shooting without any problems and if he keeps training well this week then he will have a good chance of playing against Middlesbrough."

Benitez added: "It is a lift for everyone at the club to have Steven Gerrard back and it will be important for the team when Nunez returns as well. Everyone knows what a fantastic player Gerrard is, and Nunez can give us more options on the right as we can use Steve Finnan and Luis Garcia in different positions."