Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been included in the squad to face Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

Gerrard has been out for three weeks with a hamstring injury but was able to take part in training at Melwood this morning and is poised to travel to the Spanish capital.

The England star was thought to have been close to featuring in yesterday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester City but was ruled out by manager Rafael Benitez late last week.