Thursday, December 13, 2007

Reds Duo Losing Fitness Battles

Liverpool duo Daniel Agger and Xabi Alonso appear unlikely to make a return in time for Sunday's big encounter with Manchester United.

Liverpool pair Daniel Agger and Xabi Alonso look set to miss Sunday's big game with Manchester United as they recover from foot injuries.

Though both are back in training, doubts over their fitness have resurfaced after Rafael Benítez failed to name either in the squad to face Marseille in midweek.

Lacking match fitness, it seems unlikely to coach will risk them in Sunday's big game.

Benítez found out the hard way that bringing back key players prematurely can do more harm than good - Alonso was put back in Liverpool's starting XI for last month's game at home to Arsenal, but like fellow returnee Fernando Torres he was forced to hobble off part-way through.

Alonso's creative output will be missed, but Benítez looks set to persist with Mascherano and Gerrard in central midfield following Tuesday's convincing showing.

Agger, meanwhile, has not appeared in a Liverpool shirt since the early part of this season, but given Sami Hyypia's recent string of impressive showings he might not be too sorely missed.

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