Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has reaffirmed his "trust" in captain Steven Gerrard and insists he never had any doubts about playing his key midfielder in today's FA Cup tie at Preston.
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It has been a traumatic week for Gerrard, who on Sunday scored twice in a devastating 5-1 Premier League victory at Newcastle to keep Liverpool atop the table.
Assault
Less than 24 hours later he was allegedly involved in an nightclub incident in Southport which has resulted in charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray, and he is due to appear at Sefton magistrates court at the end of the month.
But Benitez will field Gerrard at Deepdale in the third-round tie, despite the controversy surrounding the England star.
In fact, Preston may well find themselves facing a much strong side than they would have expected.
Leading from front
Not only will Gerrard be leading from the front, but Fernando Torres, Martin Skrtel, Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio all previously injured are back in the squad.
Benitez said of the decision to include Gerrard: "In terms of football, everything has been normal for Steven. He has received the support of everyone the players, myself, the club and he has trained well and is focused on football.
"I do not believe he will be distracted. He wants to play football and concentrate just on that.
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