Gerrard and Torres passed fit

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have handed Liverpool a major boost and have been passed fit to play against Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday.

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Fernando Torres limped off against Aston Villa.

The key duo came through a training session on Friday in a bid to prove their fitness for the Premier League showdown.

"They are both much better," confirmed manager Rafa Benitez.

"They came through a full training session this morning. It wasn't a very hard session, but they will both be in the squad.

It's important for us to have these two players of quality who can change a game. I'm not surprised they are available because the medical staff have done a good job and the players have been working really hard with the physios to get fit."

Reds' skipper Gerrard recently underwent groin surgery, while striker Torres has been hampered by a hamstring strain picked up against Aston Villa a few weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has warned his Liverpool team-mates that a win against Sir Alex Ferguson's reigning champions is essential in their bid to prove they have serious title credentials.


"This is a very important period, we have a lot of important games coming up after the international break - especially the first one against United," said Mascherano.

"More than three points ride on these games as it proved when we lost at home to United last season.

"It's a match we need to win if we want to compete for the title. We can do that and push for honours. The fans deserve it.