Rafael Benitez will give Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard every chance possible of proving his fitness for Wednesday night's Round of 16 Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Gerrard has been struggling with a hamstring injury recently and Benitez does not want to risk further damage by bringing him back too early but ultimately, the decision will be left to club doctors.

"Steven was not fit to face Manchester City on Sunday, but we will now wait to see how he does in two training sessions before making a decision about this game," Benitez told Tuesday's press conference in Madrid.

"It will not be a gamble. If the doctor says he is okay, then it is not a risk. Steven is more mature now, he would not make a decision that would be considered a risk.

"He will be involved in light training sessions, we will not try to hide anything. We will make a decision when we are sure.

"Gerrard knows he must give something to the team, and if he cannot do that he will know he is not ready. I can trust Steven on that."