Sunday, April 25, 2010

Rafa Benitez Hasn't Given Up On Fourth Place

Liverpool have not given up on fourth place in the Premier League claims manager Rafael Benitez.

Benitez’s side head to struggling Burnley on Sunday praying that their faint hopes of finishing fourth are still alive.

Liverpool's last two trips this season are to Turf Moor and Hull on the final day but even victories there and also at home to Chelsea are probably not going to be enough to get them into the Champions League next season.

Liverpool returned from Madrid with another injury worry after striker David Ngog had to come off with a back problem in the second half against Atletico.

With star striker Fernando Torres out for the remainder of the campaign after a second knee operation and four defenders currently sidelined it leaves the squad looking a bit thin.

Benitez will assess what effect the trip and match in Madrid had on his players before deciding who is ready to face a tricky test at Burnley.

One player certain to return is midfielder Maxi Rodriguez, who will be fresh after remaining on Merseyside because he was ineligible for Europe.

"We have to consider a lot of things. We have to train and see how they feel and after this we will analyse carefully but we cannot make decisions now," said the Reds boss.

"We had five players injured against Atletico so it is not easy to change them because we don't have too many fresh legs but we will try to manage with the fixtures.

"The medical staff are doing a good job and I think it will be okay."

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