Liverpool's Alberto Aquilani could play for the reserves on Wednesday as he gets closer to a first-team debut.
The Italian midfielder has not played since having knee surgery before his £20m move from Roma in August but has been in full training for over a week.
The 25-year-old may get a run-out against Sunderland's reserves but is not ready for first-team action yet.
Winger Albert Riera is also unavailable for Sunday's visit of Manchester United because of a hamstring injury.
Aquilani, who has won 11 caps for Italy, was signed as a direct replacement for Xabi Alonso when he moved to Real Madrid in the summer.
Earlier this month, manager Rafael Benitez said he was deliberately taking the Italian's progress slowly and that the recent international break would be a good opportunity for him to get ready to start playing again.
His return to fitness would be a welcome boost for a Liverpool side who lie eighth in the Premier League table after losing four of their nine League matches so far this season.
Didnt know that either
I hope like many of us that he hits the ground running, but in reality i fear that he won't click until at least next season.
Oh what might have been.
Comment