Steven Gerrard welcomes Luis Suarez's return to Liverpool side
- Published
Luis Suarez (left) has not played for Liverpool since Boxing Day
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says Luis Suarez's impending return can be the catalyst for the Reds earning Champions League qualification.
Suarez, banned for eight matches for racially abusing Patrice Evra, is set to play against Tottenham on Monday.
Liverpool, who play in the League Cup final and FA Cup fifth round later this month, are seventh in the top flight.
"Luis can help us achieve what we set out to achieve - finishing top four and reaching two finals," said Gerrard.
"I'm sure he will because he's a super player."
Liverpool are five points behind Chelsea, who currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot, following a 3-0 win at Wolves on Tuesday night.
It capped a fantastic week for the Reds, which started when they defeated Manchester City in the League Cup semi-final to book a first Wembley appearance in 16 years.
Kenny Dalglish's men then beat rivals Manchester United in last Saturday's dramatic 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win.
And Gerrard believes the return of Uruguay striker Suarez after missing Liverpool's last nine matches (he served his one-game ban for his after-match gesture at Fulham immediately prior to his eight games out after tangling with Evra) will further increase the feelgood factor around Anfield.
"Luis has shown over the last 12 months that he's one of the best players in the world. So we want these players available," said the 31-year-old.
"He has been missed and the players are looking forward to welcoming him back."
Meanwhile, Dalglish is hoping his side can avenge the 4-0 defeat inflicted by Tottenham in September.
The loss was the heaviest the Scot has suffered since returning as Reds boss last January.
"Nothing is completely forgotten about," he said.
"Everything that you have learned and experienced you have in the bank and if you have to use it you use it.
"We went there and lost a wonder goal to Luka Modric and Charlie Adam got sent off early on so it was always going to be uphill from there.
"It was certainly not a pleasant trip but there are positives you can take away from anything.
"All the time it is educational and whatever you have learned you use to your benefit as best you can."