Liverpool FC

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Benitez hopeful over trio

23 Oct 2008 - 07:32:04

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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is hopeful that Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso will all be fit for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Chelsea.

The key trio were all substituted during Wednesday's 1-1 Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid, with striker Keane and midfielder Alonso both rated particularly doubtful.

Keane, who opened the scoring in the 14th minute, limped off with a groin injury, while Alonso picked up a knee knock and Gerrard was withdrawn with fatigue.

"The three players had some problems," admitted Benitez.

"Keane and Gerrard and Alonso were tired, so we were trying to use players with fresh legs. We were trying to protect all of them by substituting them.

"I don't think they are serious. We will have to wait and see tomorrow.

"It was a little bit of a muscle problem for Robbie. Gerrard is okay. He was really tired and Alonso has a knock on his knee.

"We need to check with Keane. He will see the doctor."

Meanwhile, Benitez claimed the 1-1 draw was a case of two points lost after Atletico restored parity with an 83rd minute equaliser.

He added: "We had control of the game in the first half and part of the second.

"I'm disappointed because we had chances to kill the game. It's a problem when you have a situation on 83 minutes and you make a mistake. You pay for it.

"For me we had plenty of situations in and around the box and should have made more of them.

"If you'd said to me before game that we'd have seven points at the end of it then it would be good.

"But after leading until the 83rd minute and when you consider the chances we had, then I think we have lost two points."