Jamie Carragher set for Liverpool return
Sep 13 2007 by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
JAMIE CARRAGHER has been given the all clear to play for Liverpool against Portsmouth on Saturday.
The centre-half will return to the squad after successfully stepping up training this week.
Manager Rafa Benitez today confirmed Carragher’s inclusion in his weekend plans as he’s recovered from rib and lung problems.
"Carragher has been training normally with the rest of the players who’ve been here all week," said Benitez. "He is okay and I think he will be available this weekend, which is good news for us.
"Fabio Aurelio is now getting closer to the squad after playing 45 minutes for the reserves. Harry Kewell is also running again and is nearer to fitness.
"Today, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the safe return of all our internationals. It’s not going to be easy for us to travel to Portsmouth tomorrow to play without one training session.
"All you can ask the players to do when they return is some running, so it’s always a difficult time."
Benitez suffered a scare when Daniel Agger was subbed 28 minutes into Denmark’s 4-0 win over Liechtenstein.
However, Agger’s removal was merely a precaution as he’s one yellow card from an international ban and his country’s next match is against Spain.
Elsewhere, Benitez must check on Steve Finnan, who missed Ireland’s two qualifiers with a knee problem.
Steven Gerrard’s condition will also be re-examined after his two games in a week, but at this stage there’s no reason to presume he’ll sit out the trip down south.
Benitez is eager for his skipper to get straight back into action for his club too.
Sep 13 2007 by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
JAMIE CARRAGHER has been given the all clear to play for Liverpool against Portsmouth on Saturday.
The centre-half will return to the squad after successfully stepping up training this week.
Manager Rafa Benitez today confirmed Carragher’s inclusion in his weekend plans as he’s recovered from rib and lung problems.
"Carragher has been training normally with the rest of the players who’ve been here all week," said Benitez. "He is okay and I think he will be available this weekend, which is good news for us.
"Fabio Aurelio is now getting closer to the squad after playing 45 minutes for the reserves. Harry Kewell is also running again and is nearer to fitness.
"Today, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the safe return of all our internationals. It’s not going to be easy for us to travel to Portsmouth tomorrow to play without one training session.
"All you can ask the players to do when they return is some running, so it’s always a difficult time."
Benitez suffered a scare when Daniel Agger was subbed 28 minutes into Denmark’s 4-0 win over Liechtenstein.
However, Agger’s removal was merely a precaution as he’s one yellow card from an international ban and his country’s next match is against Spain.
Elsewhere, Benitez must check on Steve Finnan, who missed Ireland’s two qualifiers with a knee problem.
Steven Gerrard’s condition will also be re-examined after his two games in a week, but at this stage there’s no reason to presume he’ll sit out the trip down south.
Benitez is eager for his skipper to get straight back into action for his club too.
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