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Steven Gerrard has been passed fit for Liverpool’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg with Chelsea at Anfield tonight.

The Reds skipper missed Saturday’s Premier League victory over Aston Villa due to a minor hamstring injury picked up against Sunderland a week earlier.

However, Gerrard has been given the green light to return to action and he is expected to start against Jose Mourinho’s side.

The 34-year-old midfielder is likely to be recalled at the expense of Fabio Borini with Raheem Sterling pushed further forward into the lone striking role.

Mourinho has urged Chelsea fans not to taunt Gerrard about the slip which proved so costly in last season’s title race.

But Brendan Rodgers knows whatever reception his captain gets from the visiting supporters he will be able to handle it.

“I think Jose was probably just talking out of respect for a player who is one of the best players this league has ever seen,” Rodgers said.

“Sometimes players get a wee bit of stick but this is probably ongoing.

“Steven was a big part of the reason why we challenged for the title. We didn’t lose it because of his slip. He was a big part of why we nearly won it.

“He’s a strong character and knows how to cope with it. He will have no problems with that.”