Fernando Torres, who was widely tipped to not be fit for the clash against Everton on Saturday lunchtime, appears to now be one of many of the returning casulties who could be included in the Liverpool squad.
Xabi Alonso who has been out for a month is back on the football pitch, as his recuperation from gym work is completed. Whether he can be match fit in time is the key question and the player rates himself as 50-50.
Xabi said: “The fact it’s the derby doesn’t make me more determined – I’m always determined to recover as quickly as possible. I want to be back as soon as possible but I have to respect my foot. I have to see how it feels.”
Rafa Benitez has been impressed with the intensive training undergone by Torres and Kewell although was cagey when asked about both players potential for weekend involvement.
About Torres he said:
“At the moment though it is too early to say anything about the weekend.
“It’s always a risk when a player has an injury and we have to be careful. He is back with us now and working with the physios.”
And on Harry Kewell he echoed similar sentiments:
“The news with Harry is very positive as he did the warm up as well. For him, though, it’s too early to talk about the weekend.”
Daniel Agger has also returned to first team training.