 STEVEN GERRARD has passed a fitness test ahead of the visit to Fulham. The Liverpool skipper was put through his paces with a full training session at Melwood yesterday. He came through unscathed, and it's now just a matter of how soon manager Rafa Benitez wants to thrust the captain back into action. Gerrard suffered a calf problem on international duty, but he's only missed two club fixtures. Benitez will be anxious not to use Gerrard until he's sure he's made a complete recovery, but there were no signs of discomfort when the midfielder trained with his team-mates. But while Gerrard prepares for a swift return to action, Steve Finnan misses out on a reunion with his old club. The right back has suffered a calf strain, which means Josemi is likely to continue in defence after being preferred in the Champions League win in Anderlecht. Meanwhile, Liverpool have now confirmed the signing of Mark Gonzalez will be a permanent, rather than loan deal when he eventually joins the club. However, Liverpool still face an anxious wait to discover if the Chilean can join in January. A work permit application was turned down because Chile are not in the world's top 70. Even if the South Americans rise up the rankings before the end of the year, it won't change the position with the 21-year-old. Chile would have to have been in the top 70 for the last two years. Liverpool's re-application on his behalf will be based on a series of outstanding scouting reports, as well as the fact Gonzalez is eligible for a European passport this summer. Benitez is desperate for the left winger to join as soon as possible, but the youngster may have no choice but to wait if the Department for Employment and Education stand by their earlier decision. | 
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