LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has received a welcome boost ahead of Saturday’s crunch Premier League clash with Manchester City at Anfield with the club’s injury problems easing.

Captain Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson have all responded well to treatment during the international break and Benitez expects the trio to be fit to face Mark Hughes’ side.

Fernando Torres will miss out as he continues his rehabilitation programme in a bid to cure his groin problem and Fabio Aurelio is sidelined by a calf injury.

However, young striker David Ngog should be available despite breaking his nose on duty for France Under-21s.

“Gerrard is doing well,” Benitez said. “He finished a full training session today so if he can carry on then he’ll be okay.

“Agger had a small problem with his back but he’s training. It was a very good decision from Denmark’s manager (to withdraw Agger) because he is much better now. I think he’ll be okay for the weekend.

“Johnson has been training. Not full sessions, but training, so hopefully he’ll be okay for the weekend too.

“We know Ngog has broken his nose but it’s not serious.

“Aurelio’s improving but still has a little bit of a problem with his calf. It will be difficult for him to play against Man City.”

There is also positive news on midfielders Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera, who both suffered hamstring injuries in the 2-2 draw at home to Birmingham City.

“I was talking about four weeks but they are working hard with the physios and doing special treatments,” Benitez added. “We have to check but maybe they’ll be back earlier than expected.”

Gerrard hopes he has finally overcome the groin problem which has dogged him in recent weeks.

The 29-year-old made his comeback as a substitute against Birmingham after a frustrating four-game spell on the sidelines.

“It took me two or three days to recover from that game but I have spent the past week doing strengthening work and I’m feeling a lot better now,” Gerrard said.

“I’ve had a problem in my groin that has taken a while to get over but I’m just relieved the second injection seems to have done the trick.

“I’m feeling good now, a lot stronger than before and it’s just a question of getting my match sharpness back.”