Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish admits Steven Gerrard's ankle injury could have been career threatening.

He has been out of action for two months and Dalglish insists he will not be rushed back.

But the Scot admitted he is greatly relieved the ­problem was diagnosed and treated in time to ­ensure the inspirational midfielder's ­recovery.

Dalglish said: "If it wasn't dealt with properly, it could have been more serious. But he had fantastic ­treatment. It's been sorted, it's been solved.

"It was a one-off, not ­relevant to anything else he's had, so the credit goes to the people who ­identified the problem.

"I think it's getting easier for him now. The hard part was when he was first ­injured. It was just a freak.

"He's done unbelievably well. He does have a really strong character. He's come through and he's desperate to play.

"We always say, when we have him fit we'll have a much stronger squad of players, so we will be better off when he's ready to come back.

"The boys will be glad to see him back on the ­training pitch and on the pitch on match days as well.

"But we won't put him under any pressure or give any ­deadlines to make his ­return."