Sunday, October 18, 2009

Rafael Benitez Confirms Alberto Aquilani Is Close To First-Team Liverpool Return

Alberto Aquilani has undergone two training sessions with his Liverpool team-mates and all that is left to finalise his return is to improve his match fitness, according to Rafael Benitez, who confirmed the news to the club's official website on Saturday.

The Italian was bought in the summer, as a replacement for Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso, but has been sidelined since his transfer due to an ankle injury.

Benitez said: "Aquilani has been training - he's had two sessions with the team.

"Physically he can improve but at least now he can play football with the team. It's very positive."

Regarding a time-frame for a complete return, Benitez was hesitant about making any confirmation, but added: "It depends how he progresses physically.

"In terms of the problem he had with his ankle, he has to keep training. We'll be away this weekend so he has time to improve.

"Hopefully in the next week he'll continue with the team and then it's a question of his match fitness, nothing else."

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