Can Liverpool afford to rest Gerrard?

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Manager Rafa Benitez insisted afterwards that the Liverpool captain could be back in action as early as next week, but with Gerrard already carrying a slight groin problem, it doesn't bode well. Liverpool face Standard Liege on Tuesday and Benitez will have to decide whether he should allow Gerrard to recover and recuperate, or if he should throw him straight back into the fray. The injury overshadowed an impressive 4-1 victory over Norwegian side Valerenga, Liverpool's second four-goal haul in five days. This win, however, was all the more impressive given that it came against a team which is halfway through its domestic season and at the peak of its fitness. Liverpool aren't quite at that stage yet, but there is a growing sharpness in their play as they settle back into the 4-4-2 formation that will accommodate both Fernando Torres and big-money summer signing Robbie Keane. Keane, one curling shot aside, was rather subdued, but Torres served up a perfect reminder of why he ended last season as Liverpool's top goalscorer, forcing his way through a crowd of Norwegian defenders, staying on his feet when he could have gone down and carefully nudging the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper. If the two of them can gel quickly, then there might be a chance for Torres to add a domestic medal to the honours he collected in the summer. There is still much room for improvement before that happens though. For all of Dirk Kuyt's grit and determination, he is not a right-winger. The Dutchman is the kind of player who would happily plod away there all season if it meant a place in the starting line-up, but Liverpool need more natural width and pace if they are to put together a title challenge. Benitez must also decide on the future of Xabi Alonso. The Spanish midfielder crashed home a spectacular opening goal, but there has been more speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal in order to generate funds for the purchase of Gareth Barry. The uncertainty in the ranks is unlikely to help settle the pre-season nerves. Liverpool though, it should be said, looked far more comfortable on the ball than they did last season. There were very few long punts in evidence, just a welcome return to short, slow passing and intricate build-up. It's always dangerous to attempt to read anything into these exhibition games, but there are signs that in this, Rafa Benitez's fifth season at the helm, the players are beginning to find their way. It's about time too. Liverpool's long suffering fans desire a league title, they yearn for it more than European glory or trips to Wembley. This has to be the year when, if nothing else, they at least put up a fight all the way from this month until the end of the season, and they'll need all of their key players to stay fit. Benitez will do well to consider that when he decides what to do with Gerrard next week.