SOCCER/Preston v Liverpool:RAFAEL BENITEZ has said that it is in the best interests of Steven Gerrard and Liverpool for the captain to end the most difficult week of his career with a return to the spotlight at Preston North End this evening.

The Liverpool manager has pledged "100 per cent support" for Gerrard since the 28-year-old was charged with assault and affray over an alleged incident at the Lounge Inn, Southport, on Monday.

Benitez backed those words with the unusual act yesterday of announcing his intentions for the FA Cup third-round tie. Gerrard will start against the Championship side at Deepdale, where the striker Fernando Torres is also expected to be involved for the Premier League leaders, having returned to training on Wednesday.

Benitez had considered resting Gerrard, only to decide otherwise following talks with the England international after his arrest.

"The best thing for him and for us is to focus on football," the Spaniard said. "I could have played him anyway, he was playing well, I want to keep the momentum and we have one week to recover until the next game. But I think it would make things easier for him to just focus on football."

Benitez reiterated that his captain, who is due to appear at North Sefton magistrates on January 23rd, has the complete support of his club.

"I was talking with him about the problem and he explained to me everything. That is why I support him," the Liverpool manager said.

"He was involved in a situation that was not normal. He is a nice lad, a very good professional and he has been training normally. I asked him if he is okay, he wants to play and it would be the best thing to play him. I do not believe he will be distracted and I do not believe this will have an adverse effect on his season."

Preston will face a strong Liverpool side. Martin Skrtel is also expected to be back, having been out since early October with a cruciate ligament injury suffered in the win at Manchester City. Torres has missed Liverpool's last seven games with a hamstring problem.

Benitez said: "Torres is in the squad so if we need him he can play. He is not 100 per cent because he has not got match fitness but he is ready to play. When you have Fabio Aurelio, Skrtel and Torres coming back, players who have not played too much in the first half of the season, it is like signing two or three new players. We are not desperate to go to the (transfer) market now. If we need something we will try but I think we have enough numbers."

Benitez was making his first public appearance since undergoing surgery to remove kidney stones last month. The Spaniard will not return to the dug-out at Preston, however, and he said that he is delaying his own recovery by attending Liverpool matches and conducting half-time team talks.

"I am improving, so that is positive, but I will need time," said Benitez, who was still in clear discomfort. "The first week was very, very painful. After the Arsenal game I was a little bit worse because you have more anxiety and stress. After the second operation I feel much better. In terms of my health it would be easier if I stayed at home, I would be fit sooner rather than later. But I think it is important for me to be there.

"Against Bolton and Newcastle I was in the stands and I went into the dressingroom at half-time to talk to the players. It is important to show the players that you are there, that you are analysing everything and you are giving support to them.

"I will not be in the dug-out (at Preston) because I cannot move properly and shout. If you don't have too much energy then maybe you cannot transmit everything properly so it is better to stay in the stands and leave it to (assistants) Sammy (Lee) and (Mauricio) Pellegrino."