Triple injury boost for Reds
07 Dec 2007 - 08:09:53
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has been handed a triple injury boost with the news that Xabi Alonso, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio could all return next week.
The Spaniard has revealed that Alonso and Agger (both fractured metatarsals) and Aurelio (calf) have joined in training this week and could be fit for the Reds' vital fixtures in the coming days.
Liverpool face Marseille in a must-win Champions League group stage match next Tuesday before taking on Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Benitez has also revealed that Jamie Carragher will face Reading on Saturday after shrugging off a rib injury.
"Alonso trained today and is very close to a return," he told the club's official website.
"Agger is closer as well and Fabio could be back.
"Carra is okay and he can play at the weekend."
Elsewhere, Benitez has reiterated his claim that Javier Mascherano will stay at Anfield on a permanent basis.
The Argentina international's 18-month loan stay will expire at the end of the season but Benitez is confident he will remain on Merseyside.
He added: "Clearly, I hope Mascherano stays here. We are talking now about this but I have confidence because he tells me he wants to stay.
"He is playing well and everyone knows he is a good player and there are not too many world-class holding midfielders around.
"He wants to stay, our supporters like him and we will try to keep him."