Liverpool's Alberto Aquilani should make debut against Sunderland next week

06 October 2009 08:49
The Italian international is yet to make his Liverpool debut, since signing from Roma two months ago, due to ankle surgery. The 25-year-old has a history of niggling injuries, but Rafa Benitez saw enough quality in the midfielder to splash out £20 million as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid over the summer. Sunday's 2-0 defeat against Chelsea highlighted Liverpool's need for a creative force alongside Steven Gerrard in the middle of the park and the upcoming international break should serve as enough time for Aqualini to complete his rehabilitation and take his place in the match-day squad on Oct 17. Aquilani has blamed the medical set-up at Roma for his spate of frustrating injuries. He said: "They were always changing doctors over there and there was no continuity, but I have already noticed a big difference here. "From the outset they told me they would not try to rush me back because they did not want to risk a recurrence of the problem. "I want to put all my injury worries behind me. After spending some time with Liverpool's medical staff I feel I can do that now."

Source: Telegraph