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Lampard and Gerrard available for Champions League clash

21/04/2008

England midfielders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard look set to play for their respective sides in tomorrow night's Champions League semi-final.

Chelsea take on Liverpool at Anfield in the first-leg of the all-English last-four encounter for the right to face Premier League leaders Manchester United or Spanish giants Barcelona in the final in Moscow next month.

Both Lampard and Gerrard, key players for their respective clubs, did not play last week and it had been feared they would both be absent for the first game on Merseyside.

Lampard has been on compassionate leave for the last week to be with his sick mother, who is in hospital with pneumonia.

And Gerrard was rested for Liverpool's 2-0 win at relegation-threatened Fulham on Saturday because of a neck injury.

However, it seems both men will be fit for tomorrow night's crucial tie - the third Champions League semi-final between the sides in the last four years.

"Frank has made himself available after spending the last seven days at the bedside of his sick mother," said Lampard's spokesman Steve Kutner.

"Although still very ill, her condition has now stabilised. Hopefully there is light at the end of a very dark tunnel."

And Reds boss Rafael Benitez revealed Gerrard is looking likely to play after taking part in training today.

Earlier, he had told the club's website that his condition would be monitored closely as neck injuries are "always dangerous".

"I think he was a little bit better on Saturday but we'll wait," Benitez explained.

"We had similar problems with [Jose] Reina and [Steve] Finnan and they needed time, so we will see."