Good news on injury front as Liverpool plan late fitness tests

Nov 23 2007

LIVERPOOL FC's Andriy Voronin, Holland duo Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt, Spain’s Jose Reina, Norway’s John Arne Riise and Finland’s Sami Hyypia all played significant parts in their respective countries’ Euro 2008 qualifiers on Wednesday and will be assessed late on ahead of Saturday's clash with Newcastle.

But it is the players who have not been away with their national teams who may provide the necessary impetus, particularly Fernando Torres who was left out of Spain’s squad to be able to continue to build up his fitness at Melwood after an adductor injury.

"He was training normally during the week and so I will talk with him and see if he has felt anything but I think he was okay," said Benitez, who knows how important the club’s record signing is to their championship challenge.

"The pace of Fernando running behind the defenders is a key quality. Last season we had (Craig) Bellamy and now we have Fernando - players who can beat defenders."

The manager also suggested key defender Daniel Agger is close to return after more than two months out with a fractured metatarsal, while midfielder Yossi Benayoun is making good progress with a groin injury.

"At least this week we have been training with some players and maybe this international break will give us time to play Agger or Benayoun," he added.

"Agger is closer. He was training and is improving but after a long time it is always difficult to be sure."