Liverpool Football Club News

• Nickname:Reds
• Founded:1892
• Manager:Kenny Dalglish

• Ground:Anfield
• Capacity:45,362

Alonso return boosts Reds

19 Dec 2007 - 08:19:39

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Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will hand Xabi Alonso a recall for Wednesday's Carling Cup showdown with Chelsea after seeing Steven Gerrard ruled out by illness.

The England midfielder is suffering with a stomach bug which means Alonso will return for the quarter-final clash following a ten-match lay off with a metatarsal injury.

The Spaniard has been out of action since suffering a recurrence of a foot problem during a 1-1 draw with Arsenal on October 28.

Elsewhere, Benitez will give a late fitness test to Steve Finnan (calf), but the trip to Stamford Bridge will come too soon for Daniel Agger (foot).

"Xabi is training normally and should be available for the game at Chelsea," Benitez told the club's official website.

"We are going into a busy period with lots of games so it is important to have out best players available.

"So Xabi's return is a big boost."