Liverpool FC News: Shaking Up Front Line Shows Reds Need Steven Gerrard Back

Liverpool stumbled to their first real let-down of the season this past weekend. The 1-0 loss at the Britannia Stadium to Stoke City highlights a few of the problems we knew the Reds would run into this campaign.

Things certainly look more promising, but the curious case of Andy Carroll continues to plague the Merseyside outfit, as well as a questionable back line.

Dirk Kuyt has replaced Carroll in the starting XI recently, and it should have been no surprise.

Unlike his running mate Luis Suarez, who skipper Steven Gerrard called a potential "legend", the forward has not been in top form.

But eventually he'll get there, and even if he doesn't the Reds have Kuyt and newly-signed Craig Bellamy to lean on.

Soon enough Steven Gerrard will be back too, and this will make life that much easier at Anfield.

The 31-year-old skipper has not been fit for some time, but will be back on the pitch in the coming weeks.

This is exactly what the Reds, and boss Kenny Dalglish, need.

Gerrard's presence, along with all the new acquisitions, will be a huge boost to the club.

He's starred at Anfield for the entirety of his career, and is without question their most valuable player.

With question marks up top for the club there will be nothing better than getting Gerrard back in the midfield to help set things straight.

Gerrard's targeting a return in time for the Merseyside derby on October 1st. The battle with Everton comes a week after the Reds finish a stretch of three games in seven days.

The Reds have a lot to look forward to, and it all begins with the return of Steven Gerrard.