Liverpool Football Club News

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

• Ground:Anfield
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Benitez rules out Alonso

08 May 2009 - 13:59:13

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Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso will miss Saturday's trip to West Ham United after failing to shake off the knock inflicted by Newcastle's Joey Barton last weekend.

The Spain midfielder was the victim of a two-footed tackle by the controversial Magpies midfielder during the closing stages of last weekend's 3-0 victory at Anfield and will not travel to Upton Park.

However, Reds boss Rafa Benietz expects Alonso to be back for the following weekend's clash against West Bromwich Albion.

Meanwhile, Benitez has confirmed that Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres are both fit to face the Hammers.

Mascherano injured his ankle against Newcastle, while striker Torres missed the game with a fresh hamstring problem.

"Xabi is not fit and cannot play," Benitez told the club's official website.

"We think maybe in the next week he will be okay. We had an idea that he could be fit for this game but in the end it was impossible.

"Javier was training and is in the squad, and so is Fernando."