Liverpool Football Club News

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

• Ground:Anfield
• Capacity:45,362

Benitez allays Aurelio fears

09 Jul 2009 - 16:00:22

Click To Enlarge

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has dismissed fears that defender Fabio Aurelio was facing up to six months on the sidelines.

Reports on Thursday morning had suggested the Brazilian full-back had suffered a serious knee ligament injury and was likely to be out of action until the new year.

But although revealing that Aurelio did suffer an injury while away on a summer holiday, Benitez claims the problem is not as bad as has been reported.

"He was injured playing with his son and is really disappointed because he was enjoying the summer," he revealed.

"He had the operation. He has had a problem with his cartilage so he will be one month, maximum two months. Not six months like I see in the press."

Meanwhile, Benitez has again denied suggestions that he could lose midfield duo Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano before the new season begins.

Spain international Alonso is wanted by Real Madrid while Barcelona are believed to have set their sights on Argentinian Mascherano.

"I do not think Alonso or Mascherano will go. It is clear that they both are under contract with long-term agreements. That is it," claimed Benitez.

"There has been a lot of things written, a lot of rumours, but both players are under contract and we have no more need to talk about things.

"They are both very good players and I will be very pleased to keep them. They both have very good contracts."