LIVERPOOL are confident Daniel Agger is close to a return to full fitness despite the defender’s international manager deeming his knee problem as “extremely worrying”.

Agger has not played since colliding with Sparta Prague striker Leonard Kweuke during the 1-0 Europa League victory at Anfield three weeks ago.

It has prompted concerns from Denmark coach Morten Olsen that the centre-back may miss his country’s crucial Euro 2012 qualifier in Norway on March 26.

Liverpool, though, are hopeful Agger will be available before then, but are not prepared to rush the player’s recovery.

Olsen has already seen the 26-year-old sit out most of the first half of the campaign with a calf injury.

And the Denmark coach said: “Right now we can only wait, but I must admit that Daniel Agger is doubtful for the international match. Daniel has not played for a while now with his knee injury and we do not really know whether he is ready – and in what form he will be in.

“It’s frustrating for Daniel, Liverpool and certainly for the national team before the crucial match in Norway, but we must just wait and see what happens.

“I have an agreement with Liverpool’s club doctor that we should talk one day, but he is certainly not ready yet and it is extremely worrying.”

Agger’s fellow centre-back, Martin Skrtel, has admitted his relief at no longer having to go toe-to-toe with Andy Carroll.

And the Slovakia international believes the rest of the Premier League’s defenders will be “scared” to face Liverpool’s new strike partnership of Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Skrtel was made aware of Carroll’s threat when facing the 22-year-old at Newcastle United in December, when the striker netted in a 3-1 home win.