Liverpool Football Club News

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Aquilani set for Reds debut

27 Oct 2009 - 15:38:12

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Liverpool's big-money summer signing Alberto Aquilani is set to make his first-team debut in the Carling Cup tie at Arsenal on Wednesday evening.

The 25-year-old Italy international has been sideliend since his summer arrival from Roma due to a knee injury, but is set to feature on the bench against the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium.

Boss Rafa Benitez said: "He will be with us. He is improving his fitness, so he's in the squad.

"He cannot start at this moment, but he will be there and maybe we can give him some minutes. If it's possible, we will try to use him.

"We can see in every training session that he has quality, game intelligence and good movements. He is a different kind of player for us.

"We talk about using Steven Gerrard deeper sometimes, but maybe in Aquilani we have a player who can play there and pass the ball really well in the final third."

Aquilani himself added: "I really want to play, but I need to be patient, I know the time will come for me.

"I will be very happy when I make my debut. This is my job, it's what I am here to do and I am looking forward to it.

"It has been difficult, but now I want to build up my confidence and I hope to bring out the best of my game here."