Roy Hodgson downplays hopes of Steven Gerrard return

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has played down the chances of Steven Gerrard making a comeback from his hamstring injury in tomorrow's match against Fulham.

The 63-year-old admitted on Tuesday that his captain's return was "touch and go".

And he does not yet know whether the midfielder will have recovered sufficiently to be able to play his first match since tearing a hamstring on England duty on November 17.

However, having pledged to play Fernando Torres in the midweek Europa League match against Utrecht only to make a last minute decision not to risk him Hodgson made no predictions about Gerrard.

"He is training hard, he trains every day and there are no days off for Steven," said the Reds boss.

"He is desperate to get back but, with my recent history of saying things and not getting them right, I should be extremely cagey and say I have no idea if he will be there or not.

"There will be no more bold statements from me on any player, at least for the foreseeable future."

Hodgson has had to defend himself against accusations he allows the club's medical team to have too great an influence over his team selection.

But he admits sometimes he has to defer to their specialist opinion.

"Whenever we, old fashioned football coaches that we are, see a player bombing up and down in straight lines, running without any problems and looking as fit as a fiddle we immediately think he can be thrust into the next game," he added.

"They are a bit more scientific in their approach."

Hodgson was also as cautious about the return of centre-back Daniel Agger, who has not played for Liverpool since September 25 because of a calf problem.

Last week he had set the Denmark international the challenge of being available for the game against the Cottagers but that appears unlikely.

"Agger is slightly behind Steven (in terms of fitness) but not far," said the manager.

"I was given a prediction for him but I'm not going to tell you because it might turn out to be wrong and I'll get the blame for it."

Patience is a virtue which has paid off for Lucas Leiva, who after enduring a difficult first two seasons at Anfield is now developing into a useful midfielder.

The 23-year-old suffered his fair share of criticism but feels he has now successfully come through that period.

"When you're young you think you should be playing all the time. I had to be very patient," he said.

"But I can honestly say I'd go through it all again, because you get your reward sooner or later.

"I just kept believing I was on the right track, and I've still got that belief today."

Lucas told fifa.com; "I wasn't a first-choice starter in my first two seasons. I was getting opportunities, but only every so often.

"Last season things changed. As a team we didn't achieve the objectives we'd set, but on an individual level it was a vital year for me.

"It's important to note the progress I made, not just physically but also in terms of adapting to English football.

"The way they play in Brazil is very different to over here."