Boss Rodgers REVEALS Gerrard and Allen fitness updates before Man Utd clash

BRENDAN RODGERS has revealed Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is close to a return to the first team.

Steven Gerrard playing for LiverpoolGETTY

Steven Gerrard (right) and Joe Allen (left) could both play against Swansea on Monday night

Reds boss Rodgers has been without his skipper for seven games as Gerrard nurses a hamstring problem.

But the former England midfielder appears ready to grace the Anfield turf and could be back for Liverpool's crunch Premier League tie with Manchester United this month.

He is expected to make the squad for their trip to Swansea on Monday but may not be risked.

Meanwhile, Joe Allen - who is reported to have been offered a new deal at the club - is also close to recovering from a hip problem and also makes the coach to south Wales.

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And ahead of a crunch few weeks in the league, Rodgers said of his two midfielders: "We had Steven back training, which is great.

"Joe Allen is back and fit and well, so the [injured players] are starting to return."

Rodgers also gave injury updates on two other members of his squad.

"Jose Enrique has been in and out of training, so we'll monitor him over the next couple of games.

"Great news - young Jon Flanagan is back and training with the group, which is great, but again we're just having to gradually introduce him into the training."

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