Gerrard returns to training with full support and backing of Liverpool’s

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returned to training with little fanfare on Wednesday as he seeks to turn his attention back to football. The 28-year-old – Gerrard was charged with assault and affray after an incident at a bar in Southport in the early hours of Monday. The England international arrived at the ground in the suburb of West Derby in his black Range Rover Sport at 10.05am. He was greeted by a few fans that turned out despite the freezing temperatures to see him drive straight through the waiting open gates. He has so far remained silent about the controversy and his wife Alex Curran, 26, said they would not be commenting.

Gerrard was arrested with five other men – two of whom face the same charges as the footballer – near the Lounge Inn bar and nightclub in the seaside resort. Benitez added: “Steven explained to me what had happened and I told him he has my full support and backing, along with everyone else at the football club. “He’s trained with the other lads after a couple of days off for the squad and is keen now to focus solely on his football. He is our captain and a key player for us. “We’ve worked very hard to get into the position we’re in going through to the new year and all of us are determined to keep that progress going. We’re now concentrating on our preparation for the FA Cup game at Preston this weekend.”

Gerrard’s visit to the bar on Sunday followed Liverpool’s 5-1 demolition of Newcastle at St James’ Park, a game in which the England international scored twice, as the Reds moved three points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League. A 34-year-old man was taken to hospital with facial injuries after the alleged incident. Gerrard is due to appear at North Sefton Magistrates’ Court with the other two men on 23 January.

The Football Association said it would not be making any comment on the Gerrard case other than to stress that his position with England was not in question. It added that players would continue to be considered for England while police investigations were on-going, with their situation looked at on a case-by-case basis were they to be convicted of a serious criminal offence.

Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish believes Gerrard will cope with the scrutiny, saying: “Liverpool will support him and the Liverpool fans will support him tremendously well. He’s a really strong character and I’m sure it won’t affect his performance. A Liverpool statement, released on Tuesday, read: “Steven has been an outstanding servant to Liverpool for the last 10 years and the club will give him all the support he needs at this time.”