Gerrard: Op won't screw up my return - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 6 Oct 2004
Op won't screw up my return
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

STEVEN GERRARD insists his operation to insert a screw into his broken foot
will quicken, not delay, his comeback.

The Liverpool skipper remains confident the initial diagnosis of a two
month lay-off will prove accurate.

He says the minor surgery on the fifth metatarsal in his left foot is
actually a positive step in his recovery.

"In a way it's good and bad news for me," said Gerrard.

"No-one likes to have to go into hospital for an operation, but if it's
going to get me back playing on schedule it's better for me.

"I spoke to the surgeon yesterday and he explained that if I just left the
bone to heal normally I could have been looking at another eight weeks out
on top of the two I've already missed.

"By having a screw inserted in my foot, the bone will set in place and heal
a lot quicker. I'm still looking at another six weeks from now, but the
operation isn't because of a new problem. It's just a way of getting me fit
sooner."

Gerrard, who is likely to have the pin removed in around three weeks, has
been badly missed in the last two away fixtures against Olympiakos and Chelsea.

Rafa Benitez will be eager for his skipper to return as soon as possible as
Liverpool have fallen off the early pace at the top of the Premiership and
still have work to do to qualify through their Champions League group.

"I'm desperate to get back," said Gerrard. "But I've just got to rest. I'll
be watching the England versus Wales match at home like everyone else."

Meanwhile, Gerrard has been nominated for the FIFA Player of the Year
award, alongside teammate Milan Baros.

A total of 35 players have been short-listed with ex-Reds striker Michael
Owen also included.

Thierry Henry is favourite for the accolade.