Friday, August 07, 2009

Liverpool Play Down Injury Scare To Albert Riera


Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez does not believe the ankle injury sustained by Albert Riera against FC Lyn last night is serious.

Riera had to be stretchered off after falling awkwardly during Liverpool's 2-0 win in Oslo.

It was the last thing Benitez needed on the day Xabi Alonso was unveiled as a Real Madrid player.

However, with nine days to go before the start of the new season, Benitez is confident 27-year-old Riera will be fit to face Tottenham on Aug 16.

Benitez said: "He twisted his ankle but I don't think it is serious. We had to take him off but it is always better to be careful about these things."

Meanwhile, midfielder Alberto Aquilani's medical today could prove to be a pivotal point in his career and Liverpool's future.

Benitez has identified the Italy international as the ideal replacement for Alonso, who completed his £30m move to Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Liverpool and Roma have already agreed a fee, believed to be in the region of £20m, but the 25-year-old must now pass the physical examination.

That will not be as straightforward as it might as the player, who made only 14 league appearances last season, has not played since Roma crashed out of the Champions League against Arsenal on March 11.

He underwent surgery on his right ankle in May but must prove he is over the injury if Liverpool are to justify spending two-thirds of their income from the Alonso deal.

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