Back in training 
Martin Skrtel returns to full training - Liverpool FC latest
Dec 17 2008 EXCLUSIVE by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL have been boosted by the return of Martin Skrtel to full training.
The Slovakian international has spent the last two months on the sidelines after suffering a knee ligament injury in the Reds’ 3-2 win at Man City.
Skrtel had been in outstanding form alongside Jamie Carragher at the heart of Liverpool’s defence before injury struck. In his absence, Daniel Agger and Sami Hyypia have taken it in turns to fill in alongside Carragher with neither able to hold down a regular starting place.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is adamant that he needs four top class centre backs to give him the competition for places within his squad that he is looking for.
Though Skrtel is able to join in with training with the rest of the squad he is unlikely to be considered for the trip to Arsenal at the weekend, particularly as he is still to get any competitive football under his belt.
A more likely date for his possible return is Boxing Day when Liverpool face Bolton at Anfield.
Since joining Liverpool from Russian side Zenit St Petersburg, Skrtel has become a cult figure with fans thanks to his uncompromising physical style.
Meanwhile, Alvaro Arbeloa believes Liverpool have what it takes to put their recent troubles at home behind them and go to Arsenal and get a good result.
The Spanish right back is well aware of just how difficult it will be to get a win at the Emirates but insists the Reds have nothing to fear having beaten fellow big four members Manchester United and Chelsea this season.
“We have a difficult game against Arsenal but we believe in ourselves.We can get a good result,” he said.
“We have beaten Manchester United, Chelsea and now we want to beat Arsenal.
“We have a really good team and I don't think they are playing their best football at the moment, so we have a good opportunity to show what we can do.”
Martin Skrtel returns to full training - Liverpool FC latest
Dec 17 2008 EXCLUSIVE by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL have been boosted by the return of Martin Skrtel to full training.
The Slovakian international has spent the last two months on the sidelines after suffering a knee ligament injury in the Reds’ 3-2 win at Man City.
Skrtel had been in outstanding form alongside Jamie Carragher at the heart of Liverpool’s defence before injury struck. In his absence, Daniel Agger and Sami Hyypia have taken it in turns to fill in alongside Carragher with neither able to hold down a regular starting place.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is adamant that he needs four top class centre backs to give him the competition for places within his squad that he is looking for.
Though Skrtel is able to join in with training with the rest of the squad he is unlikely to be considered for the trip to Arsenal at the weekend, particularly as he is still to get any competitive football under his belt.
A more likely date for his possible return is Boxing Day when Liverpool face Bolton at Anfield.
Since joining Liverpool from Russian side Zenit St Petersburg, Skrtel has become a cult figure with fans thanks to his uncompromising physical style.
Meanwhile, Alvaro Arbeloa believes Liverpool have what it takes to put their recent troubles at home behind them and go to Arsenal and get a good result.
The Spanish right back is well aware of just how difficult it will be to get a win at the Emirates but insists the Reds have nothing to fear having beaten fellow big four members Manchester United and Chelsea this season.
“We have a difficult game against Arsenal but we believe in ourselves.We can get a good result,” he said.
“We have beaten Manchester United, Chelsea and now we want to beat Arsenal.
“We have a really good team and I don't think they are playing their best football at the moment, so we have a good opportunity to show what we can do.”
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