LIVERPOOL, Sept 12: Liverpool were handed a major boost on the eve of their showdown with Manchester United with skipper Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres both passed fit for the first big Premier League clash of the season.

Torres had been sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Gerrard underwent minor groin surgery last month, but both completed a light training session at the club’s Melwood training ground and have been included in the squad.

“They are both much better,” Reds boss Rafael Benitez told www.liverpoolfc.tv.

“They came through a full training session this morning. It wasn’t a very hard session, but they will both be in the squad.

“It’s important for us to have these two players of quality who can change a game.

“I’m not surprised they are available because the medical staff have done a good job and the players have been working really hard with the physios to get fit.” Liverpool go into Saturday’s game having failed to score against the reigning European champions in their last seven league meetings, a run stretching back to September 2004 and even then, it was a John O’Shea own goal.

United, who will be without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, are expected to hand 30-million-pound signing Dimitar Berbatov his debut for the club at Anfield and team-mate Ryan Giggs would not be surprised if the Bulgarian had an immediate impact.

“Berbatov is a Manchester United-type player,” Giggs said of the 27-year-old. “He has that physique and stature because he is over six foot, so he offers something a little bit different to Wayne Rooney or Carlos Tevez. For a big man he has a superb touch.

“But he also has a big personality, the personality you need to be a success at Manchester United.

“I’m glad he’s on the same side as me, I have seen his ability at first hand when he played against us for Tottenham and I am sure he will be an excellent signing.”—AFP