KOP News # 1160

Steven Gerrard set to make Liverpool's FA Cup final with Chelsea

• Captain returns to training after missing West Bromwich game
• Charlie Adam ruled out but midfielder does not need surgery

• guardian.co.uk, Thursday 26 April 2012 19.30 BST

Steven Gerrard watched Liverpool's defeat by West Bromwich Albion from the stands but is expected to be fit for the FA Cup final. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Steven Gerrard is on course to be fit for the FA Cup final after returning to training but Kenny Dalglish has confirmed Charlie Adam will not feature for Liverpool again in this campaign.

Gerrard sat out Liverpool's home defeat by West Bromwich Albion on Sunday because of a hamstring problem. Yet with the final against Chelsea at Wembley now less than a fortnight away, Dalglish has explained he made that move simply for safety. "He's fine, no problem," the Liverpool manager said of his captain. "We said it was just a precaution so he's back training. He's been training all week, so there's no other problems."

Adam injured knee ligaments during Liverpool's 3-2 defeat at Queens Park Rangers in March and, while he will not have to undergo surgery, he will not play again until next season. Adam can now walk without the use of crutches but will be forced to continue his rehabilitation into the summer.

Dalglish said that Adam will not be fit to participate in the Olympic Games. "There is no operation needed but he won't play this season," Dalglish said. "And I would think if they had any designs on having him in the Olympics he wouldn't be fit for that either."

It brings to an end a disappointing first season at Anfield for the 26-year-old, who arrived from Blackpool for £6.75m. After an encouraging start Adam's form dropped. He missed a penalty in the Carling Cup shoot-out win over Cardiff in February and soon afterwards he lost his place to Jay Spearing.

Dalglish says he retains a strong enough squad both to win the FA Cup – which would constitute a second domestic trophy for Liverpool this season – and to improve on the club's current eighth place in the Premier League.

"I think everyone deserves to play," Dalglish said. "We've not picked a squad yet [for Saturday's trip to Norwich, who are only three points behind] but everyone is capable of playing in the Premier League. We will have a look at what we have got and will pick the team accordingly."