Gerrard to travel with Reds

Gerrard: Close to fitness

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has revealed that Steven Gerrard could be fit to play against Standard Liege on Wednesday.

The Reds were expected to be without Gerrard for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third round qualifier against Standard after he sustained a thigh strain in a pre-season meeting with Valerenga.

However, Gerrard is set to travel to Belgium with the rest of the Reds squad and Benitez will make a decision on his fitness on Tuesday.

"I was talking with him this morning and he will go with us to Belgium," Benitez told Liverpool's official website on Monday.

"He is progressing really well but we will check tomorrow after training. I will speak with the doctor and with Steven and then decide."

Optimistic

However, Benitez has confirmed he will be without defensive trio Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio and Philip Degen.

But he is optimistic Skrtel and Aurelio will be ready for Saturday's Premier League opener at Sunderland.

"Martin and Fabio are training with us but they will stay here," added Benitez. "They are not ready for this game but hopefully both will be available for the weekend.

"Philip isn't training with us yet and is a little behind the other two."

Meanwhile, Reds reserve team defender Miki Roque has signed on loan with Spanish side FC Cartagena until June.