Are Liverpool better off without Steven Gerrard?

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Brendan Rodgers is facing a dilemma over whether to recall his captain for the FA Cup match against Blackburn on Sunday and the statistics show they have been thriving in his absence

Captain comeback: Steven Gerrard is fit to return for Liverpool after six games on the sidelines

After missing Liverpool’s past six games – three in the Premier League, two in the Europa League and the FA Cup fifth-round victory over Crystal Palace – Steven Gerrard is ready to return to the side for Sunday’s Cup quarter-final against Blackburn Rovers.

But Brendan Rodgers has not been slow to express thoughts about his captain’s possible comeback that would have once seemed heretical.

"There is no one in the squad who has a God-given right to walk straight into the team,” the manager said. Even though it is his swan song season at Anfield and the club and their fans are hoping for a fitting finale at Wembley in May on Gerrard’s birthday, Rodgers is insistent that almost uniquely the Reds’ talisman will not necessarily be rushed back.

And the reason for once, is born of confidence not caution. Liverpool have played 28 Premier League matches this season – 22 with Gerrard and six without him – and have fared better when he has been absent, winning all six.