Benitez confident Johnson, Agger can play key roles in Debrecen

By Jimmy Rice – Liverpool FC

Rafa Benitez is confident both Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger can play key roles for Liverpool in Debrecen despite injury concerns over the weekend.

Johnson was set to play against Man City on Saturday until tests on the morning of the game revealed he was not 100 per cent.

Agger did start but departed on a stretcher following a clash of heads which left him needing five stitches.

Both are in the 18-man squad for Tuesday’s Group E clash, and Benitez told his pre-match press conference: “If we decided to bring them here it’s because we think they can play. We will train (on Monday night) and then we’ll see.

“You know that for us it’s important now to have players coming back from injury. You talk sometimes about players being available but not ready, but at least if they are training we have more options.”

Another player present and correct on the plane to Hungary was Steven Gerrard following a groin problem.

He played his first full 90 minutes since October 4 on Saturday and Benitez is hopeful any injury troubles are now behind the England man.

“He was tired the other day but it was a difficult game,” said the boss.

“When you are more or less three weeks without training with the team, to play 90 minutes is not easy. He was a little bit tired but I think he will be okay for Tuesday.”

On when Liverpool fans can expect to see Fernando Torres in action again, Benitez added: “He is improving. We were talking before about three weeks. He still needs time but he’s working with the fitness coach and physios every day. We cannot put a deadline on it but he’s doing well.”

Journalists from around the world were present as Benitez gave his pre-match thoughts. An Italian reporter wanted to know if summer signing Alberto Aquilani would feature in Hungary.

The gaffer said: “Aquilani is in the squad so he can play. It depends. The team has some players in his position now – Gerrard coming back and the two midfielders (Lucas and Mascherano) doing well, but he’ll have his chances.

“We want him as soon as possible but we have to manage with the squad.”

The Hungarian press pack were also out in force, with one journalist asking why their young goalkeeping hope Peter Gulacsi was not in the squad.

Benitez said: “We are really pleased with him. He’s a fantastic keeper and a really good lad. He’s doing really well but we have a second keeper in Diego Cavalieri and I’m also very happy with him.

“But we are pleased with all the players we’ve got from MTK Hungaria.”