LONDON — Alberto Aquilani could make his long-awaited debut for Liverpool in their Champions League clash with Fiorentina on Wednesday night, Rafael Benitez revealed on the club’s official website.
Aquilani, who is reported as being back to full fitness was again an unused substitute in Liverpool’s goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers, but the manager explained the reason.
“Maybe we will start with Aquilani in our next match because today was a very difficult and tough game,” Benitez told his post-match press conference. “But against Fiorentina maybe he will start.
“We were thinking of putting him on today but the game was too open. When a player isn’t match fit, it is a risk to put him on the pitch. Maybe it would have been worse for him. At Anfield, with our fans behind him, I think it will be easier.
“It’s also a question of the other players being injured. Gerrard was injured before and is fit now. With Gerrard, Lucas and Mascherano we now have balance in the midfield.”
Since joining the club in the summer Aquilani has made just three substitute appearances, but Benitez is adamant he will not rush the former Roma man.
“He is a player who needs to settle down,” he said. “We are watching him in every training session and he is improving and doing well.
“He can only get match fitness by playing. We were hoping to play him in the reserves the other day but the game was postponed, so we have to carry on and then he will have a chance against Fiorentina.”
By Phillips Edwards, World-Track Global
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