Anfield Red

Watching video highlights of new signing Alberto Aquilani during his time at AS Roma, it’s easy to get excited about him finally getting the chance to step foot on the pitch. The biggest signings of the summer next to Glen Johnson has been held out of training with the first team as he recovers from ankle surgery that should hopefully (fingers crossed) allow him to come back at 100-percent when Rafa finally gives him the ok.

But don’t expect him back anytime soon. Speaking to the media yesterday, Rafa made it clear that Alberto won’t be rushed back into the first team. Whilst, his recovery is going as planned, he still hasn’t started running and cutting yet.

“He’s going forward, progressing and he’ll soon start running. If that goes okay then everything will go a bit faster,” the Reds boss told reporters at his Friday press conference.

“We have not set a target or any time, but he’s doing well.”

Without a target date, that means he’ll most likely be the final piece of the puzzle to return to the pitch, thus allowing Rafa the chance to pick from a full-strength squad.

We will be getting some great news in the coming days, after Benitez confirmed that Daniel Agger and Nabil El Zhar will be returning to action in the coming days. Who knows, maybe Agger will feature on the bench for the upcoming match against Hull.

“Both are very close. They’re involved in full training sessions but still they’ll need match fitness.

“They’ll need time to play some games. Now we have some very important games, so we’ll see – but both are very close.”

At long last it looks like we’re finally getting the entire squad back. It couldn’t come at a better time with the holiday season bringing a full slate of matches that usually leave us playing at least two a week.