Thursday Apr 05 2007 15:22
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez expects Fabio Aurelio to return from a serious Achilles injury in time for the start of next season.
Aurelio was stretchered off in Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg victory over PSV Eindhoven.
Initial estimates suggested the Brazilian defender could be out for up to six months after rupturing his Achilles tendon, but Benitez has allayed those fears by claiming Aurelio will return in time for pre-season training.
"He will be fit for the pre-season," the Spaniard told the club's official website.
"Yesterday he had an operation and it was really good. It was over quickly - the doctor carried out a new kind of operation.
"He was playing really well, so it was a pity to see him get injured again."
The 28-year-old arrived at Anfield from Valencia last summer and has made 22 appearances this season.
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