Aquilani ready for Anfield bow

IT HAS taken three months longer than any Liverpool fan would have wanted, but tonight the Kop will finally have the chance to welcome Alberto Aquilani to Anfield.

The Italy international, signed in August, has been recovering from a knee operation ever since. Now, having also overcome a recent virus, the 25-year-old seems certain to make his Premier League debut for the club against Birmingham.

The fans have waited so long to see the man bought to replace Xabi Alonso, he is almost guaranteed a hero’s reception. Certainly his appearance in the squad will give Liverpool’s worried support something to cheer with fitness doubts surrounding Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.

Manager Rafael Benitez looks likely to name Aquilani on the bench, and give him the opportunity of a cameo appearance in the second half.

“It could be the time to let the Anfield fans see Aquilani at last,” he said. “He has been getting fitter and had a short spell in a reserve game and then a few minutes at Arsenal in the Carling Cup.

“We had him with us in Lyon and I wanted to bring him on. But Lucas and Javier Mascherano were controlling the game.

“So we waited a bit, we did not want to change they way the side were playing, even though he could have come on. Then we scored and there was no need to use him, it was just a shame we conceded so late.

“He was almost over the virus and he will certainly be much better on Monday.

“He has trained well. He does not have match fitness, but the only way to improve that is to play him in games.”

Torres has the better chance of being involved against the Midlanders as he struggles with a groin problem.

Gerrard has barely trained for a fortnight, but Benitez was pleased with his involvement in a training session yesterday and his chances of facing Birmingham improved.

Fabio Aurelio, Martin Skrtel and Albert Riera are also likely to return from injuries. Glen Johnson has also improved after training this weekend, but he and Martin Kelly are still struggling.

Benitez at least needs Torres on the pitch for a game Liverpool must win to keep themselves in contention for a top four place.

He said: “We hope to be able to keep going with Fernando. Maybe he can be available for Birmingham, we will see.

“I have been surprised at what some critics have said about Torres’ involvement. People who have played football for years seem not to understand that the manager has more information.”