Alexander Doni preparing to return to Anfield

30 October 2012 08:00
Alexander Doni is preparing to return to Liverpool FC to fight for a place in Brendan Rodgers’ squad.

The Brazilian goalkeeper has been on extended leave in his homeland due to personal problems since missing the pre-season tour of North America in July. However, after a four-month absence, Doni is finally expected back at Melwood over the next fortnight to challenge fellow shot-stoppers Pepe Reina , Brad Jones and Peter Gulacsi. Doni, who joined LFC on a free transfer from Roma in July 2011, spent most of his first year at Anfield warming the bench as Reina’s understudy.

The 32-year-old finally made his debut against Aston Villa back in April when Reina began a three-match ban. He would have started in the FA Cup semi-final with Everton but his Wembley dream was dashed by a red card against Blackburn Rovers and Jones played instead. Doni made the last of his four appearances for the Reds at Swansea City on the final day of last season.

Considering the competition for places, the former Brazil international faces a battle to force his way into Rodgers’ plans, but as it stands two of the manager’s three keepers are hampered by injury. Reina, who had missed the two previous matches, was expected to return to action for Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison but aggravated his hamstring problem in training.

Source: liverpool_echo