Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is fit to play against Lyon in Tuesday's Champions League Group E clash but striker Fernando Torres misses out.

Midfielder Gerrard sat out Saturday's controversial 1-0 Premier League defeat to Sunderland with a groin injury but returned to training on Monday.

"It's important as we have had injury problems. Having Gerrard fit is a big boost for us," said boss Rafa Benitez.

Spanish international Torres is still recovering from an abdominal problem.

Benitez added: "Fernando is not close enough to fitness to be considered. He will miss this one but I hope he will be OK to play against Manchester United next weekend."

Liverpool lie third in Group E after a win and a defeat, while Lyon have won their opening two matches.

Argentine duo Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua are both set to start after sitting on the bench at the Stadium of Light following international duty.

The Reds' loss at Sunderland was their fourth defeat in the league already this season, twice as many as they suffered in their last Premier League campaign.

But Benitez remains convinced they can turn their fortunes around, starting with Lyon and continuing with the visit of United to Anfield on Sunday.

"You can guarantee that if we win against Lyon the mood will change, and if we can win against United, the mood will be totally different," said the Spaniard.

"When you are not winning, to play another game quickly and have the opportunity to change things is the best thing.

"We will try to win and then everything will be different. A positive result would be massive for our confidence."

Defender Jamie Carragher, who skippered the side in the absence of Gerrard at Sunderland, says Liverpool must work hard to get back to winning ways.

"We will stick together and work hard on the training ground to put things right," he said. "We know we've got a good team, good players and a good manager so we've got to have belief in ourselves and keep going.

"We have the quality and the belief we will get back to winning ways soon, hopefully starting on Tuesday against Lyon."

Lyon lost 2-0 to Sochaux on Saturday, their first defeat of the season, and were missing injured defenders Cleber Anderson, Mathieu Bodmer and Jean-Alain Boumsong.

Sidney Govou and Kim Kallstrom could play after sitting on the bench on Saturday, while Lisandro Lopez will continue to start up front despite a groin strain.

11/20/2009 02:55 - So much false hope you have
11/20/2009 02:55 - Ill be loling at you while watching us own you
11/20/2009 02:55 - I cant wait for this game