Soccer Players: Skipper back to lead late charge

Liverpool's captain Steven Gerrard looks on course to return to captain his side this weekend against West Brom. The midfielder has been out of action for since the beginning of March after undergoing ankle surgery, but could return to training this week. Gerrard was absent from England's 2-0 victory over Wales at the weekend but Liverpool will be boosted by their captain's early return should it happen.

With the club still eyeing a possible late challenge for the Champions League, Gerrard will be desperate to return to action sooner rather than later, and the midfielder has claimed to be nearing full training and members of Betfair Black should bear this in mind.

"The ankle's good. I'm probably three or four days away from full training, so hopefully I'll be involved against West Brom. There are big games still left to play this season," he said.

Gerrard was forced to watch from the sidelines as his side threw away their final chance of the season to pick up some silverware, with Portuguese side Braga edging through the two sides' Europa League clash. The only hope to bring some unexpected joy to their loyal fans would be if Kenny Dalglish bring about a top four finish. Anyone in the Betfair loyalty program won't be holding their breath on this one.

With eight games left of the current campaign, Liverpool are eight points behind fourth placed Manchester City. While it may seem an impossible mission, eight wins from eight could really throw the cat amongst the pigeons come the final round of games of the season. Dalglish won't risk his captain if Gerrard isn't 100% fit though, the two games after West Brom will be the ones that Liverpool will really need their influential skipper.

After taking on West Brom at the weekend the club will face two games that have the power to make or break their already slim hopes of the Champions League places. Hosting Manchester City on the 11th, then heading to the Emirates to face title hunting Arsenal on the 17th, will be the games when Gerrard's inclusion really will be necessary.

If Liverpool could pull of the shock of the year and finish in the top-four, then it would rank up there with this club's recent achievements, Kenny Dalglish would be literally crowned King of Liverpool with Gerrard as his prince.