Steven Gerrard back to boost Liverpool's Premier League title push

A persistent groin injury caused Steven Gerrard to miss Liverpool's previous three matches. Photograph: Michael Mayhew/Sportsphoto/Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar

Liverpool's hopes of prising the Premier League title from Manchester United's grip will be boosted by the return of captain Steven Gerrard for Sunday's match at home to Newcastle.

Liverpool's talismanic midfielder missed the club's Champions League exit at Chelsea and the costly 4-4 home draw with Arsenal in the league last week with a groin injury. His return is good news for Liverpool, who are three points behind Manchester United with four games left, but not a pleasant one for Newcastle manager Alan Shearer whose side are fighting to cling on to their Premier League status.

"Steven is doing well and is training with the rest of the team," Rafael Benítez told the club's official website. "I think he will be fit and available for Sunday. It is good news for the team and for him because he can be a key player for us over the remaining games."

Liverpool cannot afford to drop any more points this season to have any hope of preventing Manchester United from equalling their record of 18 top-flight title wins. United travel to relegation battlers Middlesbrough for an early kick-off on Saturday, having edged Arsenal 1-0 in their Champions League semi-final, first leg last night.

It will be a quick turnaround for United, who have a major doubt over Rio Ferdinand after he picked up a rib injury against Arsenal, but Benítez will not be holding out too much hope of an upset and victory will leave Liverpool trailing the Old Trafford club by six points prior to their match with Newcastle on Sunday.