Foot surgery rules out Agger
14 Mar 2008 - 14:52:23
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is unlikely to play again this season after being told he requires surgery on his troublesome metatarsal injury.
The Denmark international has been sidelined since picking up the problem in training in mid-September and, following several aborted comebacks, will now undergo surgery next week.
"It's a blow for Daniel but we want to get his problem sorted," manager Rafael Benitez told the club's official website.
"We have defensive cover and Martin Skrtel is playing very well. Daniel will be back for next season."
Meanwhile, Benitez claims he was unsurprised when the Reds were paired with Premier League rivals Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
"We were expecting to play against a top side so we knew Arsenal could be one of the options, but we will approach the game with confidence because we are playing well," said the Spaniard.
"Playing the second game at home could be very positive for us because always when we play at Anfield it is an inspiration to us. When you play against a good team the small details can make the difference.
"They are a very good side. They have good players, they are playing well and are top of the league. We know it will be a tough tie.
"We have a lot of confidence now. We are scoring goals, winning games and keeping clean sheets so that is a lot of positive things for us."