LONDON, (Reuters) – Liverpool’s hopes of prising  the Premier League title from Manchester United’s grip will be  boosted by the return of captain Steven Gerrard for Sunday’s  match at home to Newcastle United (1230 GMT).

Midfield general Gerrard missed Liverpool’s Champions League  exit at Chelsea and the costly 4-4 home draw with Arsenal in the  league last week with a groin injury.

His return is good news for Liverpool, who are three points  behind Manchester United with four games left, but not a  pleasant thought for Newcastle boss Alan Shearer whose side are  fighting to cling on to their Premier League status.

“Steven is doing well and is training with the rest of the  team,” manager Rafael Benitez told Liverpool’s website  (www.liverpoolfc.tv).

“I think he will be fit and available for Sunday. It is good  news for the team and for him because he can be a key player for  us over the remaining games.”

Liverpool know they cannot afford to drop any more points  this season while hoping United, who have five games left,  stumble.

United travel to relegation battlers Middlesbrough for an  early kickoff on Saturday (1145), having edged Arsenal 1-0 in  their Champions League semi-final, first leg on Wednesday.