Thursday, January 15, 2009

Benitez Back In Hospital For Third Operation On Kidney Stones

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez returned to hospital yesterday for a third operation on kidney stones.

The Premier League leaders play Everton on Monday in the Merseyside derby, and the team is hopeful that the Spaniard will be back in time to oversee preparations for the match.

"It's a difficult time for him because, you know Rafael Benitez, all he wants to do is be out there on the training pitch," assistant manager Sammy Lee said.

"That's his forte, but he's still buoyant. He's going for the third operation, but we're hoping it won't keep him out for too long – hopefully just a couple of days."

Benitez returned to hospital in the midst of negotiations over a new contract. The length and salary have already been agreed upon with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr., but now Benitez's power to sign new players is under discussion.

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