Liverpool FC: Steven Gerrard will be back ‘sooner rather than later’ says Kenny Dalglish

Dec 3 2011 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

STEVEN GERRARD remains sidelined by an ankle infection, but boss Kenny Dalglish insists the Liverpool skipper will be back “sooner rather than later”.

The 31-year-old midfielder has been out for five weeks since he was diagnosed with the problem on the eve of the Reds' trip to West Brom in late October.

Gerrard, who hasn't played since the game against Norwich City on October 22, has yet to return to training and will be missing again at Fulham on Monday night.

“Steven is still progressing really well,” Dalglish insisted.

“We have still got to manage it and we are not going to put a date on his return, but it will be sooner rather than later.”

Meanwhile, Dalglish has dismissed suggestions that the Reds could bring Alberto Aquilani back to Anfield in the wake of Lucas Leiva's season- ending knee injury.

The Italian midfielder is on a season-long loan at AC Milan but there is no recall clause in the deal.

Milan have an agreement in place to make the move permanent when Aquilani reaches 25 appearances for them this season.

“If you check the rules, you will see Alberto is not in a position to come back,” Dalglish said.