Benitez happy with Fowler progress

Robbie Fowler is already thinner and quicker as he battles for peak fitness following his return to Liverpool, claims manager Rafael Benitez.

Fowler could well return to the starting line-up against Charlton at Anfield tomorrow after being left out of last week’s win over Manchester City under the terms of the deal that brought him back to Anfield.

Since returning Fowler, who had barely played up until Christmas due to injury, has been put through a fierce fitness regime by assistant boss Pako Ayesteran – and Benitez believes the benefits are becoming clear.

Benitez said: “Robbie is improving. He’s been working on his physical condition and the training sessions have been really good for him.

“He is much better now. We’ve been focusing specifically on his stamina levels. Pako knows exactly how much Robbie must run, and when.

“These stamina training sessions have been the most important for him. I can see a change in Robbie already. A lot of people have been saying he looks thinner.

“Also, we’re seeing a bit more pace from him. He’s never been a sprinter, but his intelligence means he gets to balls early.”

Benitez added: “When we decided to sign him, I was thinking it might be the last month of the season before he’s completely match-fit.

“We are hoping for a lot of goals from him. Maybe they will start now or maybe they will come a bit later. The most important thing is we have a player with passion and quality.”