Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish could hand Steven Gerrard comeback against Tottenham this weekend.
But he insisted there will be no automatic first-team return for the Kop idol after a seven-month absence with a groin injury.
"Steven came through the training match no problem. He trained this (Thursday) morning no problem," the Liverpool boss explained. "Now it is all about timing and common sense.
"We have always said that we have got to manage the situation, not just with Steven but for everybody. Everybody wants to play.
"But if you have been out that long, you may as well wait until it is right. We are not trying to be anything other than totally realistic and honest in our appraisal with Steven.
"We are not going to get ahead of ourselves here and start talking Steven up [only] for him not to play. That would then be seen as a disappointment.
"We will just take our time now, and put him back in when the timing is right for everyone."
