Match Preview: Everton vs. LiverpooL

Everton and Liverpool meet for the fourth time this season as the Merseyside rivals battle to reach the last 16 of the FA Cup.

The two North-West neighbours could not be separated in the original fixture of this fourth-round tie, drawing 1-1 on 25th January, and they require a replay at Goodison Park.

Liverpool have already returned from the short trip across Stanley Park with three Premier League points this season, but Everton have held the Reds to draws on two occasions at Anfield.

The 211th Merseyside derby is, therefore, tantalisingly poised and extra-time, and even penalties, could be required, with a definite opponent for either Aston Villa or Doncaster set to be established.

Drama is never far away in these fixtures and the last time the two sides met in an FA Cup tie provides perfect evidence as a 1991 fifth-round meeting took three matches to resolve, while former Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish famously resigned between the first and second matches.

Neither manager is likely to quit following Wednesday night's result, but Everton boss David Moyes is in the more comfortable position as Rafa Benitez's contract debate rumbles on and the Liverpool chief is preparing for his first game since controversially selling Robbie Keane back to Tottenham.

Moyes, though, could have to make a decision on whether to play forward Victor Anichebe after the Nigeria international was reportedly thrown out of training following a bust-up with his manager.

Everton already have attacking problems and Moyes is not spoilt for choice for possible replacements for Anichebe, with Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Louis Saha and James Vaughan injured and new loan signing Jo cup tied.

Liverpool will definitely be without defender Philipp Degen, who has been ruled out for a number of weeks with a metatarsal injury, but the Switzerland international was unlikely to feature.

Fernando Torres should keep a place in attack following his match-winning brace against Chelsea on Sunday, while Steven Gerrard is set to continue as captain as Benitez has no other new fitness problems.

Juventus Linked With Move For Liverpool Boss Benitez

Juventus want to hire Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez as their new manager in the summer, according to reports in Italy.

Juve's title hopes are fading after three matches without a victory and the board are losing patience with boss Claudio Ranieri, claims today's Il Giornale.

Chief executive Jean Claude Blanc is desperate to land some silverware but has made the Champions League his top priority.

Blanc has been impressed by Benitez's excellent record in the competition and could take advantage of the fact contract talks between the Spaniard and Liverpool board have stalled.

However, no move for Benitez would take place until the summer.

Degen Faces Long Injury Lay-Off

Liverpool defender Philipp Degen has been ruled out of action for up to five weeks with a metatarsal injury.

The 25-year-old Switzerland international picked up the problem during a reserve team match against Manchester United last week.

Although a scan revealed the bone was unbroken, he is expected to require at least a month to recover.

It is the latest in a string of setbacks that have kept Degen sidelined for most of his time at Anfield.

The right-back was making a comeback appearance for the Reds' second string when he picked up the knock and limped off at half-time.

Since arriving on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer he has made just two appearances for the Merseysiders.

Manager Rafael Benitez's other options at right-back are Spain international Alvaro Arbeloa, youngster Stephen Darby or to redeploy centre-back Jamie Carragher to the position.

Rafa - No News On Contract

Rafa Benitez has revealed that he has had talks with Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but not over his contract.

Both Hicks and Gillett were at Anfield on Sunday to see the Reds overcome Chelsea and reaffirm their title challenge.

The joint owners, whose off-field differences is public knowledge, sat at different ends of the directors' box and have now returned to their native America.

The Liverpool tactician revealed that the three of them held discussions twice over the weekend, although the Spaniard offered no update on his impending contract.

"I have had a conversation with both owners. Before the game (against Chelsea) those talks were positive, after the game they were even more positive," Benitez said.

"I was happy with those conversations, but I know no more about my contract."

Liverpool lock horns with local rivals Everton in the FA Cup on Wednesday and the Reds boss feels his side have been boosted by their latest victory.

A fifth-round tie against Aston Villa or Doncaster awaits the winners of the fourth round replay, where the Merseyside pair will square off at Goodison Park in what will be the third clash between the two clubs in 16 days.

Benitez accepts that Liverpool's form had been patchy during the past few weeks, despite the fact that they have gone 16 matches unbeaten in all competitions.

But the Spaniard feels that Sunday's victory over Chelsea has been a major boost to team morale.

He said: "Everything was positive against Chelsea, so going into the derby we are very confident.

"In the first game, the league match, we did not play well. In the second game we were much better, so hopefully this replay will see us play like we did in the first cup tie.

"The players needed to show their character, and now we know we can beat anyone. It will be difficult at Goodison Park, but we can do it. The win over Chelsea has given everyone a lift.

"Now we have a really big cup tie at Everton, one I believe we can win and one that will give the fans something to be excited about after our win over Chelsea.

"Our win over Chelsea gave everyone a lift, especially as it was against a side at the top of the table with us."

Rafa Benitez: Chelsea Win Will Give Us A Boost Against Everton

Liverpool’s chances of beating local rivals Everton in the FA Cup tomorrow have been boosted by their victory over Chelsea at the weekend, claims manager Rafael Benitez.

The Anfield men face a fourth-round replay at a hostile Goodison Park, with a home tie against Aston Villa or Doncaster awaiting the winners.

Benitez accepts that Liverpool’s form had been patchy during the past few weeks, despite the fact that they have gone 16 matches unbeaten in all competitions.

A string of draws, including two against Everton last month, underlined Liverpool’s inconsistency.

They were held 1-1 twice on their own ground by the Toffees, once in the league and once in the Cup.

But Benitez feels that the victory over Chelsea on Sunday has been a major boost to team morale.

He said: "Everything was positive against Chelsea, so going into the derby we are very confident.

"In the first game, the league match, we did not play well. In the second game we were much better, so hopefully this replay will see us play like we did in the first cup tie.

"The players needed to show their character, and now we know we can beat anyone. It will be difficult at Goodison Park, but we can do it. The win over Chelsea has given everyone a lift.

"Now we have a really big cup tie at Everton, one I believe we can win and one that will given the fans something to be excited about after our win over Chelsea.

"Our win over Chelsea gave everyone a lift, especially as it was against a side at the top of the table with us."

Benitez was critical of Everton’s defensive tactics in both recent games at Anfield, but he would not be drawn into further comment on the subject on the eve of the replay.

He said: "I do not know how Everton will play, whether they will attack more. But maybe in front of their own fans they will have to be more offensive.

"We have done well at Goodison Park of late, and we have enough confidence. But we know it is a derby and very, very difficult.

"We will have to approach the game carefully and we know it will be really tough. Anything can happen in this type of game."

Reina Dreaming Of Double Glory

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina is dreaming of a 'magic week' as the Reds go in search of double domestic glory.

Rafa Benitez's side defeated Premier League rivals Chelsea on Sunday to reinvigorate their title challenge and on Wednesday they face derby foes Everton in a fourth-round FA Cup replay.

Reina is, understandably, keen to eliminate the Toffees from the cup, but the Spanish shot-stopper is eager for further icing on the cake.

The 26-year-old admits that if FA Cup progression was booked and league leaders Manchester United slipped up at West Ham on Sunday, a perfect seven days would be secured.

"I dream of a magic week after our victory over Chelsea," Reina told skysports.com. "I dream of eliminating Everton, and United failing against West Ham.

"Each match is a psychological battle because we have entered a decisive moment of the season."

Reina acknowledges Liverpool make the short trip to Goodison Park facing a tough task, but the former Villarreal player is desperate to again go all the way in the cup.

The 12-time Spain cap was a hero in 2006 as his penalty shoot-out saves earned victory over West Ham, and he is eager for further success in football's oldest knockout competition.

"Everton are never easy in their stadium," said Reina. "For us, the derby is a big match because we want to win the FA Cup.

"I remember the final at Cardiff and that was a sensational success. The competition is beautiful and I want to repeat the experience."

Benitez Failed In Signing Keirrison As Keane Replacement

Sport.co.uk can reveal that Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez failed in a deadline day bid to sign Brazilian U-21 international Keirrison de Souza due to his complicated contract situation.

Sport.co.uk exclusively revealed during the January transfer window that Benitez was interested in signing the player, however the Liverpool boss found it impossible to conclude a deal for the young starlet due his complicated transfer situation.Click here to read the first Keirrison exclusive.

Current club Coritiba own 20 % of the player, while business partnership Traffic, a partner of Brazilian club Palmeiras, own 80% of the player.

Palmeiras football director Toninho Cecilio had previously claimed that the player will move to Palmeiras before making a move to Europe:

“Keirrison cannot play in Europe without the consent of Palmeiras,” he told Globo Esporte. “He cannot move as soon as he agrees it. All the players have a contractual agreement with the club.

“He will only leave if there is a joint decision. We intend to count on Keirrison next season. The striker has contract with Coritiba until April 2009, and, if he does not have an agreement with our partner, he will fulfil the deal and later he will be presented at Palmeiras.”

Benitez is also rumoured to have failed in a bid to sign Portsmouth target and Real Madrid forward Javier Saviola on loan.

Ian Rush: Robbie Keane Was Unlucky At Liverpool

I feel sorry for Robbie Keane because I don’t think he was given enough of a chance to make it at Anfield.

As a striker you need to have a run of games and the absolute confidence of your manager. I’m not sure Keane ever really had either.

Some moves just don’t work out. Players look perfect for a particular club when they are signed, but for some reason it doesn’t turn out that way.

At least Rafa Benitez has taken a decision on Keane at the earliest possible opportunity and has moved him on.

I’m sure everyone at Liverpool will be wishing Keane good luck as he tries to get back on track at Spurs.

It was great to see Fernando Torres back in goalscoring form against Chelsea because Liverpool need him to be at his very best if they are to challenge for the title.

It had been some time since Torres last scored at Anfield but when the goals finally came they were well worth the wait and could not have been more timely.

He had looked sluggish in his previous game at Wigan so getting back on the score sheet will have lifted his confidence no end.

He also got through more than 90 minutes of the game, only being taken off when the match was all but over so he could get a standing ovation.

This will be as important to Torres as the goals he scored because he will now have even more faith in his own physical condition.

Mike Riley didn’t cover himself in any glory with his performance at Anfield on Sunday and I don’t think he should be given any big games after his latest poor display.

Sending off Frank Lampard was bad enough because I don’t think anyone in the ground thought it was a red card offence.

But even worse than that was his failure to spot Jose Bosingwa’s kung fu kick on Yossi Benayoun.

How a referee can miss something as blatant as this is beyond me. If players can be suspended for getting things wrong I think referees should do so as well.

There is a lot of talk about respect in football, but it must go both ways and referees have to be accountable for errors.

Liverpool One Injury Away From Goal-Scoring Crisis After Robbie Keane's Exit

Rafael Benitez's decision to sell Robbie Keane back to Tottenham Hotspur could come back to haunt him.

It is one thing to sell a £20 million striker at an £8 million loss after six months, 28 games and five league goals. It is quite another to sell a £20 million striker at an £8 million loss and not bring in a replacement.

Robbie Keane's short, unhappy stay at Anfield may have seen him relegated to backup for Fernando Torres, but at least he indicated a strength in depth to Liverpool's squad missing since 1990. Now he has returned to White Hart Lane, every Liverpool fan will be asking the same thing: what happens if Torres' hamstrings go again?

The Spanish international has already suffered three muscular injuries this campaign and a fourth cannot be ruled out. Where, exactly, would that leave Liverpool? Who would lead the line as Rafael Benitez's side bid to end their 20 years in the title wilderness?

Benitez essentially has three options. Dirk Kuyt was brought to the club as a striker, thanks to his prolific record for Feyenoord, but his early promise has worn off. He manages a dozen or so a season, mainly in the Champions League, from his new berth on the right flank and it is hard to see Benitez undoing all his work in converting him into a wide player now.

Kuyt's compatriot, Ryan Babel, also enjoyed a bright start to his Liverpool career in what might be termed the Henry position, the right-footed left wing spot the Frenchman exploited mercilessly. But Babel has always insisted he sees himself as a forward and, thanks to patchy displays and the form of Albert Riera, could now find his wish granted.

The young Frenchman David Ngog, a £1.5 million signing from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, is now the only member of the senior squad who could be considered an out-and-out striker, but despite evident power, height and pace, he remains raw. His presence on the bench signalled the end for Keane, but he is not yet ready to step into the breach full-time.

In an emergency, no doubt Benitez could look to the prodigiously gifted youth team striker Dani Pacheco, or even draft in midfielder Lucas Leiva as an emergency forward. Steven Gerrard is the best right back in the league, so why could he not be a top class striker?

Liverpool are short on firepower, suddenly, should Torres's hamstrings buckle under the strain of Anfield's expectation. What looks like a power play by Benitez is one injury away from backfiring. The fans, though, remain upbeat. After all, as several forum visitors mentioned on Monday, the club could always recall Andriy Voronin from Hertha Berlin.

Liverpool Have Plenty In Reserve, Insists Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists the Reds will not be reliant on Fernando Torres for the remainder of the season following Robbie Keane's return to Tottenham.

The Republic of Ireland striker went back to White Hart Lane on transfer deadline day in a reported £12million initial deal, just six months after he had gone the other way for around £8million more.

His departure has led some to question how Benitez's team would cope with the prolonged absence of Torres, given the apparent paucity of alternatives in the Anfield striking department.

But the Liverpool boss insists he has the resources in his squad to cope without his fellow Spaniard.

'I do not think it was a gamble to sell Robbie,' Benitez said.

'If Fernando Torres is injured we have Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel, David Ngog and if we need other players we have good youngsters in the reserves, Dani Pacheco and Krisztian Nemeth, while Yossi Benayoun can play as a second striker.

'We did not have time to sign a replacement so we have not got a new, big name, but we do have quality.'

Benitez - who is likely to field the same XI who defeated Chelsea 2-0 on Sunday in tonight's FA Cup fourth-round replay with Everton at Goodison Park - defended his decision to let the Irishman leave.

He said: 'Robbie needed to play, he needed to have confidence and he was not playing at the level that we know.

'He may not have settled down working with other players and systems. Sometimes a good player cannot perform in a different team. He was not doing as well as he could do.

'Maybe he did not have the understanding with other players, and sometimes it is difficult to play in a top side.'

Benitez added: 'We had to make decisions. We had to do it at this moment. If we had waited until the summer it would have been bad for him and bad for the club because the fee would have dropped.

'He did not ask to leave, and leaving Liverpool is not easy. But we were talking with his agent and people at Tottenham, in the end we knew it had to be done.'

Rafa Benitez Has No Regrets Over Controversial Robbie Keane Transfer

Rafa Benitez claimed last night that he had to sell Robbie Keane because the striker was not good enough for Liverpool.

Keane returned to Spurs with his new manager Harry Redknapp complaining he had not been given a fair chance by Liverpool in his six-month stay.

But Benitez said: "I think Robbie played a lot of games here and for a lot of reasons together, he was not playing at the level he can.

"Of course we know he is a very good player, but you can put a lot of things together to explain why he didn't do as well as we thought. Waiting and delaying the decision could have made it worse in the summer for him and for us.

"We didn't want to sell, but then in the last day we decided it could be good for the player and good for us.

"The player is a good player, a good professional and wasn't playing at the level he can. At his age it could have been worse if he continued without performing.

"Sometimes the teammates, the tactics, the understanding with everyone, the other teams, and not settling down in the other city, it could be a lot of things together.

"He started 20-odd games and in the end we had to come to a decision."

Alonso: Reds Have 'Best Chance'' For Title

Xabi Alonso insists he sees no reason why Liverpool cannot end their 19-year title drought this season following Sunday's 2-0 win over Chelsea.

The Reds, who have been crowned champions of England a record 18 times, last won the top-flight crown in the 1989/90 campaign.

While Rafa Benitez's side have drawn far too many games for their liking this season, the 2-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday sees them just two points behind pacesetters Manchester United.

Former Real Sociedad midfielder Alonso, who has been at Anfield since the summer of 2004, believes Liverpool can pip Sir Alex Ferguson's troops and become Premier League champions for the first time.

"I am sure this is the best chance we'll have of winning the league since I arrived," explained Alonso.

"When I first came to the club I saw what the project was and now it's finally beginning to happen.

"At the moment it's looking good and we know Manchester United are the team we need to catch."

Beating Title Rivals Is Key For Liverpool Boss Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes his team's unbeaten record against their title rivals this season could be critical.

Including Aston Villa, Benitez's side have not lost in five games so far against their rivals in the top five.

That run consists of a double over Chelsea, the first time they have done that since they last won the title in 1990, plus a win over Manchester United and draws at Villa and Arsenal.

Benitez, whose side face a potentially decisive trip to Manchester United on March 14, said: 'What is important is we have not lost this season to any of the teams who are at the top with us. If you want to be contenders, if you want to be closer to the title, that is the key point.'

Liverpool's two-goal hero against Chelsea Fernando Torres said: 'It is a very long title race. We know United are at the top but we have time and are going to fight until the end. We still have a chance.'

Torres Improving Every Day

Fernando Torres believes his fitness is improving every day after suffering an injury-hit campaign with Liverpool.

The former Atletico Madrid ace had a blistering debut season in England, but this time around his progress has been consistently disrupted.

Torres showed his class with a late brace against Chelsea on Sunday after recently returning to action following his third injury of the season.

The 24-year-old has admitted he has struggled mentally in battling to overcome his knocks after being injury-free throughout his career to date.

"It's been a strange season for me because I have never really had injuries before and I have had three on the run," he explained.

"This has meant I have not always felt 100 per cent - but now I am feeling very good and every day I am feeling better.

"Now I just want to look ahead because there is still a lot to play for this season and hopefully I can play my part.

"Beating Chelsea was a great confidence-booster for us."

The Reds' win over Luiz Felipe Scolari's side ensured they stay hot on Manchester United's heels and Torres says all is not lost despite drawing three of their last four league outings.

"It's a very long title race," he continued. "We know that United are at the top of the table at the moment, but we have time and are going to fight until the end."

Benitez Dismisses Chelsea's Red Card Claims

Rafael Benitez dismissed Chelsea claims that Frank Lampard’s controversial sending-off handed Liverpool victory.

But Stamford Bridge counterpart Luiz Felipe Scolari has demanded the FA rescind his red card.

The game’s main talking point came on the hour when referee Mike Riley harshly dismissed Lampard after a challenge with Xabi Alonso.

“I am really pleased because I thought we deserved to win,” said Benitez. “When we were 11 against 11 we were the better team, and when it went to 11 against 10 we had more control and more opportunities.

“Sure, it could have been a draw but we scored two goals and we could have had more.

“But I don’t think the sending-off changed in the game in terms we had control and we were playing better, but we had more control after the red card and were already playing better than them.”

Lampard was deeply unhappy afterwards, and said: “I had no intention of injuring the player. I obviously touched the ball and there is no way that it was a red card.”

His manager Scolari said: “I do not want to criticise the referee, all I ask is that he looks at the video with the men from the FA.

“If they agree that Lampard did not commit a foul for his red card, maybe they will change the decision.”

But Scolari conceded that Jose Bosingwa could be in trouble after he put his foot into the back of Yossi Benayoun and pushed the Liverpool man off the pitch.

The incident was not punished by Riley and Scolari added: “What Bosingwa did was not correct. But if he is punished when the FA look at the video, maybe they will change the decision over Lampard.”

George Gillett 'Open' To Selling Stake In Liverpool

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has admitted for the first time he would be "open" to selling his stake in the club despite insisting the side's finances are on a sounder footing than their Premier League rivals and denying there is a July deadline for a £350 million loan to be repaid.

Gillett agreed to speak with a representative from supporters' union Spirit of Shankly after being confronted by a group of fans in his Liverpool hotel before Sunday's 2-0 win over Chelsea, courtesy of two goals from Fernando Torres that reignited the club's title challenge.

In the meeting, the group's Jay McKenna outlined fans' grievances with Gillett and his co-owner Tom Hicks, which the American duo witnessed first hand when hundreds stayed behind at Anfield to demonstrate against their regime.

A Spirit of Shankly statement said Gillett expressed surprise to learn of the supporters' antipathy but admitted several parties are interested in relieving him of his stake in the club.

And Gillett, according to McKenna, also seemed to blame Rafael Benitez's outburst at Sir Alex Ferguson for Manchester United deposing Liverpool at the top of the Premier League. "Gillett said to me that, a few weeks ago, Liverpool were in first position and then a certain individual from the club attacked another individual from another club and since then we have lost form and slid down the league," said McKenna. "I was stunned and asked if he was blaming Benitez and in saying that was not backing the manager. Rather than confirm or deny, he said that was my implication."

Gillett's comments on the state of the club's finances have also further enraged supporters already unimpressed by the Americans. McKenna said: "I asked would he, Hicks or both be selling their stakes. He told me he could not speak for Hicks, but said there have been expressions of interest and some negotiation. He could not say who with but admitted he was open to selling, but could not speak for Hicks.

"I asked why he could not speak for Hicks, his partner, and he said husband and wife can say different things but one does not get the blame. He said he and Hicks had worked together well for six years in business but this was different because of the media."

McKenna explained to Gillett three areas of unhappiness among the fans concerning their ownership, although the Colorado-based businessman insisted he and Hicks had done their best to uphold Liverpool's traditions.

McKenna said: "Gillett told me he had tried to be a true custodian as he promised, saying it had been difficult but they had done what they could.

"I told him the fans see that he and Hicks have made three promises and broken them. The first was the debt on the club. I told him his partner Hicks promised it would not be like the Glazer takeover at Manchester United and to fans that meant no debt on the club. He claimed this was at the request of the banks and they were in a sound financial position with revenue in ratio to the debt better than any other club.

"When I asked about the extension of the £350 million loan with RBS and Wachovia to July, he claimed that was false and no one else knew the true details because they were confidential.

"The second was failing to back the manager. I asked him why they had approached Jurgen Klinsmann, and he claimed they had met with Benitez, who had told them he was to have talks with three other teams about joining them. They approached Klinsmann to work as a consultant if Rafa had left.

"The third was the new stadium, because Gillett himself had promised a spade in the ground in 60 days. He denied making this claim. He claimed they had spent £100 million on the stadium and were still working with designers, architects and planners. He claimed this money was coming from himself and Tom Hicks, not from the club. He then claimed all transfer fees to date had been met by him and Tom."

Hicks and Gillett met Benitez before Sunday’s game and sources close to both camps described the mood as “positive” but insisted there was some way to go before the finishing touches were put to Benitez’s new contract.

The Spaniard is holding out for a four year deal which gives him complete control over transfers and recruitment to the club’s academy. Hicks is said to understand his concerns but, as yet, has not buckled to his demands.

Reports the club’s powerbrokers were due to meet again on Monday were wide of the mark, with Hicks returning to the United States almost as soon as the Chelsea game finished.

Keane Leaves Liverpool For Spurs

There was mixed news for Tottenham yesterday after Robbie Keane's return was followed by the news that Jermain Defoe will be ruled out for up to 10 weeks.

Keane completed his sensational return to White Hart Lane after six months at Liverpool, the 28-year-old agreeing a four-year deal, with the fee starting at £12million before rising with add-ons.

It meant there was no significant outlay for Spurs to re-sign the striker due to the money still owed by Liverpool.

Keane, following Defoe and Pascal Chimbonda as players rejoining Spurs, left for Anfield in the summer but has paid the price for failing to fit into the plans of boss Rafael Benitez.

The Republic of Ireland striker travelled to London yesterday to agree personal terms and complete a medical.

'It was a difficult decision to make to leave Tottenham in the summer,' Keane said.

'It proved not to be the right move for me.

'I know some Spurs fans will feel I let them down by leaving but I can assure them I shall be giving my all for this club - this club has terrific fans and I want to repay them for all their support. We've got to get on and fight our way up that league table.'

Spurs boss Redknapp had stated his admiration for Keane, setting the wheels in motion for one of the most dramatic and swift returns.

Liverpool were unhappy with Redknapp's comments, while Spurs chairman Daniel Levy had been upset by Keane demanding a transfer last summer - but a deal was pushed through to get the Republic of Ireland captain back.

Levy added: 'We never wanted Robbie to leave in the summer, we acknowledged the six years dedicated service he gave this club and reluctantly let him go.

'I am delighted that he has chosen to return to us. We can all recall the passion and fight he displayed during his previous seasons with us. I know he is determined to give us his full commitment.'

Keane's debut is expected to be this weekend in the derby against neighbours Arsenal, although he is cup-tied for the Carling Cup final against Manchester United next month.

Fellow striker Defoe, however, will endure more Wembley misery after being ruled out for up to 10 weeks with a stress fracture to his right foot.

The 26-year-old England international, who missed two trophy victories last season, will undergo surgery to repair the problem, meaning he will miss the Carling Cup final.

'Following further scans and examination, Jermain Defoe will undergo surgery after suffering a stress fracture in his right foot,' read a statement from Spurs.

'Early detection has allowed the club to opt for the best long-term treatment.'

Defoe picked up the injury, to his fifth metatarsal, during an indoor training session shortly after rejoining Spurs after almost a year at Portsmouth.

During that time, the former West Ham striker missed out on Spurs' Carling Cup victory as he had just moved to Fratton Park, and then missed Pompey's FA Cup win as he was cup-tied.

Barry Has No Regrets Over Failed Reds Move

Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry has insisted he is happy at the club and no longer thinks about last summer's transfer saga when he seemed set to join Liverpool.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez was keen to sign the midfielder before the start of the season but Martin O'Neill refused to sell, with Liverpool unwilling to match his £18m valuation.

Barry was fined, stripped of the Villa captaincy and suspended for two weeks by O'Neill following comments he made about the situation; but the 27-year-old has nevertheless played a key role in Villa's successful campaign to date and maintains that he has no problem with O'Neill and is committed to the club.

"The Liverpool thing seems a few years ago now," Barry said in the Daily Mirror.

"Me and the manager are both professional people who want the best for Villa and my relationship with the manager is very good.

"It can go through your head what others have done to get away from a club, but that was just not the reputation I would have wanted."

Barry has temporarily been made captain again in the absence of the injured Martin Laursen and he is delighted to have been given the responsibility.

"Now I have got the armband back and everyone knows I enjoy captaining Villa," he said.

"It can raise your game but I know Martin Laursen is still the club captain and if we win a trophy this season, which will be more than enough for me."

Bosingwa Sorry For Anfield Kick

Jose Bosingwa has apologised for his actions after the Football Association confirmed no action will be taken over his kick at Liverpool substitute Yossi Benayoun during Chelsea's 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Sunday.

Referee Mike Riley, who had earlier sent off Frank Lampard in controversial circumstances, admitted that, while he had not seen Bosingwa's challenge, it had been spotted by assistant Mo Matadar.

The officials did not punish Bosingwa and, under FIFA law, the FA are prohibited from taking disciplinary action when incidents are seen at the time by the match officials.

"I apologise for what I did and it was never my intention to hurt him," said Bosingwa. "I know it was wrong and I apologise.

"It's always frustrating to lose big games and especially in this way. It was important to get points and not let Manchester United go. That didn't happen, so we are upset, but now we have to think about the next game."

Meanwhile, Chelsea should receive another welcome slice of good news today if Lampard, as expected, has his red card overturned at a FA regulatory commission hearing.

Chelsea appealed against Riley's decision to dismiss the midfielder following a challenge between him and Xabi Alonso in the 60th minute.

TV replays appeared to show Lampard won the ball fairly before being kicked by Alonso.

The England midfielder is scheduled to miss the home game against Hull along with away trips to Watford and Aston Villa if the appeal is unsuccessful.

Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will understandably be delighted if Lampard's card is rescinded.

But the Chelsea camp still feel they are being victimised by officials this season.

Scolari's pre-match criticism that referees were too quick to dish out red cards to his players was echoed by England left-back Ashley Cole.

He pointed to Manchester City's game at Stoke on Saturday as an example of their suffering.

Rory Delap was sent off after clashing with City's Shaun Wright-Phillips, but the winger escaped punishment even though he kicked out at the Stoke player while on the ground.

"All the players watched what happened with Shaun Wright-Phillips (at Stoke) and no-one gets booked or questioned about it," he said.

"We do one little tackle and we seem to be getting yellow and red cards."

Chelsea are now level on points with Aston Villa, three behind Liverpool and five behind leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand.

Match Report: LiverpooL 2 - 0 Chelsea

Fernando Torres scored his first goals since October to keep Liverpool's title dreams alive.

Rafael Benitez's side still trail Manchester United by two points having played a game more, but remain in the hunt after eventually overcoming stubborn Chelsea resistance.

Chelsea had Frank Lampard sent off in the second half and from then on Liverpool pounded away in search of the winner.

And Torres struck with a near-post header and a simple tap-in in the final minutes.

Liverpool made three changes from the side which drew at Wigan in midweek, with Albert Riera, Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso returning in place of Yossi Benayoun, Ryan Babel and Lucas.

Striker Robbie Keane was omitted from the 18-man squad, with teenage striker David Ngog on the bench.

Chelsea fielded the same side which beat Middlesbrough 2-0 in midweek, with Salomon Kalou passed fit.

Keane did not attend Anfield the last time he was left out of a squad, but was all smiles going into the home dressing room this time, and sat in the directors' box later.

But suggestions that he is on his way out of the club cannot be discounted and there was plenty of interest in the other goings on in the stands before the game, with co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks sitting well apart in the front row of the directors' box.

The pair will be re-opening talks with Benitez over his new contract and attend a board meeting together tomorrow.

On the pitch the game started in swirling snow, with Steven Gerrard surging around midfield as Liverpool took the game to Chelsea.

Alonso forced the first save from Petr Cech after 11 minutes, seeing a 20-yarder tipped over. Then Javier Mascherano fired in a low 30-yarder that Cech parried away, with no Liverpool man nearby to take advantage.

The midfield battle started to get tasty with tackles flying in. Mascherano was booked for flattening John Obi Mikel and soon after Cole was cautioned for a foul on Dirk Kuyt.

Torres and Riera both tested Chelsea with their direct running, but it was a very tight contest.

Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard were quick to support Nicolas Anelka, putting Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel under severe pressure.

After 41 minutes Riera fired in a fierce drive that was again pushed out by Cech, with Cole slicing the ball narrowly wide of the post as he cleared.

The second period was just a minute old when Alonso was cautioned for a foul on Kalou and Mikel was soon to be in referee Mike Riley's book for a foul on Alvaro Arbeloa.

Liverpool were attacking the Kop end now, and Gerrard, despite the bitter cold, was warming to his task. One run produced a corner, with Kuyt hooking wide while off balance. Then Torres saw a shot blocked by Terry.

Then on the hour Lampard was shown a straight red card for a tackle on Alonso. He connected with the ball, but also the Spaniard's ankle, and referee Riley reacted instantly.

John Terry was booked for protesting and Chelsea will rightly point out that Gerrard was only warned for a similar tackle a few minutes earlier.

Alex then deflected an Alonso drive onto the bar as Liverpool sought to claim the advantage.

On 69 minutes, Chelsea sent on Deco and Didier Drogba for Florent Malouda and Anelka.

Gerrard was booked for diving as Liverpool cranked up the pressure, with Torres having a shot hooked away by Kalou.

Benayoun then replaced Riera after 74 minutes, Liverpool searching for some invention to unlock Chelsea's rearguard. It almost came when Benayoun tested Cech from 20 yards before hooking another effort inches over.

Babel replaced Mascherano after 83 minutes and Chelsea sent on Miroslav Stoch for Kalou soon after.

And with two minutes left, Liverpool grabbed the lead with Torres' first goal in front of the Kop this season.

He arrowed a near-post header past Cech from a cross from Fabio Aurelio.

In injury-time Benayoun got away in the box after Cole failed to control and Torres fired home from eight yards.