Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the return of Luis Suarez will help the club in their bid to secure a top-four finish and win some silverware.
The Uruguay international is set to return from his eight-match suspension in Monday night's Barclays Premier League game against Tottenham at Anfield.
With other matches in the next month against Manchester United and Arsenal, plus the Carling Cup final against Cardiff and an FA Cup fifth-round tie at home to Brighton, the striker's comeback will be a welcome lift.
"Luis can help us achieve what we set out to achieve - finishing top four and reaching two finals," the England midfielder told BBC Sport.
"I'm sure he will because he's a super player. Luis has shown over the last 12 months that he's one of the best players in the world so we want these players available.
"He has been missed and the players are looking forward to welcoming him back."
Those sentiments were echoed by manager Kenny Dalglish, who has not yet named Gerrard and last January's two major signings Suarez and Andy Carroll in the same starting line-up.
In fact, the trio have been on the field together for just 69 minutes in 12 months but that statistic looks set to be improved upon with all three fit and free from suspension.
Dalglish also hopes Suarez's enforced break will turn out to be a positive for the forward after he had his summer shortened by success in the Copa America with his country.
"Irrespective of what happened before, any situation you find yourself in you have to find a positive and that is what we will try to do," said the Reds boss.
"It is great for everybody that we have Luis back in the squad.
"He's been training a couple of weeks now and he's stayed pretty fit so it is fantastic for us to have him available."
Considering his lengthy absence as a result of being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, Dalglish may well be inclined to start Suarez on the bench against high-flying Spurs.
The team are in good form having reached the Carling Cup final with an aggregate win over Manchester City, knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup and registered a resounding win at Wolves on Tuesday.
Dalglish admits those factors mean there is less temptation to throw Suarez straight back into the action.
He accepts, however, the return of the livewire striker will pose a selection problem.
"There is a lot to be taken into consideration; the fact he's not played for over a month and more importantly how well the other players have done in his absence," said the Scot, who confirmed captain Gerrard will return on Monday having been rested against Wolves.
"It is a good thing for everybody as long as the competition is quality competition.
"We have always said squads have good quality here and we've no reason to change that.
"For us it is a difficult job because everyone trains hard to get picked and play and someone is going to be disappointed.
"Sometimes it is hurtful when you have to leave them out but that is the way it is.
"But they will never be taken for granted - they will always be treated with respect."









