Alonso scan reveals ankle damage

Liverpool remain hopeful Xabi Alonso will be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup final after a scan on his ankle injury sustained at Portsmouth yesterday revealed ligament damage.

The Spain midfielder was carried off on a stretcher in the first half of the 3-1 victory at Fratton Park but later returned to the dug-out walking unaided.

After an assessment today Liverpool’s medical staff hope he will make a good enough recovery to face West Ham at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

“A scan this morning has confirmed that Xabi has an ankle ligament sprain,” said Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton.

“He’ll now receive intensive treatment at Melwood and we are hopeful he will be available for the FA Cup Final on Saturday.”