Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC confident Paul Konchesky will win Mersey derby fitness battle
Paul Konchesky 300[LNB]* KEEP up date with all the latest LFC news by following us on on Twitter here[LNB]LIVERPOOL are confident Paul Konchesky will win his battle to be fit in time to sample his first Merseyside derby.[LNB]The Reds' new left-back was substituted once again during the 2-2 draw with Sunderland on Saturday - the third time in as many games - with a hamstring problem that has proved so troublesome during his first month with the club.[LNB]He will definitely miss Thursday's Europa League clash against FC Utrecht in Holland and will also be sidelined for Blackpool's visit to Anfield next Sunday.[LNB] However, the injury which Konchesky has sustained is understood not to be too serious and it is expected that he will have recovered in time for the trip to Goodison Park on October 17 - the first game after the next international break.[LNB]Konchesky had missed the start of the season and was hurried back into Fulham's starting line-up for their 2-2 draw with Manchester United on August 22 before completing his £5m switch to Anfield.[LNB]It will mean Daniel Agger having to continue at left-back during Konchesky's enforced absence, as Fabio Aurelio is still not ready to play after damaging his Achilles tendon in the 2-1 win over Trabzonspor last month.[LNB]Given the traumas he has suffered with injuries in recent years - he ruptured his Achilles tendon in 2007 - Liverpool's medical staff will not give the Brazilian the green light to return to action until they are satisfied he has totally recovered.[LNB]Aurelio has not returned to full training yet and Roy Hodgson confirmed today: 'Where Fabio Aurelio is concerned, caution and prudence have to be the words that we use. He is progressing all the time and his efforts are very commendable but we can't bring him back too early.
