Thursday, March 03, 2011

Dalglish Coy On Carroll

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has refused to rule Andy Carroll in or out of Sunday's massive clash with leaders Manchester United.

The former Newcastle United marksman, who joined the Reds for £35million before the transfer window closed, is yet to make his debut due to a thigh injury.

Carroll has been undertaking training with his new team-mates but, as he is yet to play a game for the Merseysiders, Sunday's contest could come too soon.

The availability of the club's record signing would give the Reds a huge boost following their disappointing 3-1 defeat to strugglers West Ham last weekend.

"Who we have and what we go with we don't know and that includes Andy Carroll," Dalglish said at Thursday morning's press conference.

"Andy's training is always progressing, but it's not progressed into a game yet. We said all along that we've been delighted with his progress.

"There's nothing that he's done that's not been encouraging. Whether he's involved on Sunday or not I'm sure Fergie would love to know.

"We don't know, so if he knows he's a better guy than us. He might not even be a substitute."

One player definitely out is right-back Martin Kelly with a hamstring strain, although Dalglish is hopeful the likes of Raul Meireles, Fabio Aurelio, Daniel Agger and Sotirios Kyrgiakos could feature.

"We're hopeful most of them will be fit," he continued. "We don't really know obviously. It's Thursday morning and we're a wee bit away from the game.

"Obviously Kelly won't play due to his hamstring strain and Jonjo Shelvey won't be available either. Everyone else's fitness is more positive then that.

"(Kelly's) been doing really well. To pull up with a hamstring injury will be hurtful for him, especially when he'd had a couple of games rested."

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