[lfc-news] Alonso aims at Europe - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 14 Mar 2005
Alonso aims at Europe
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

XABI ALONSO is on target to make a welcome return to the Liverpool
starting line-up in time to feature in the Champions League quarter-final.

Rafa Benitez today revealed he's optimistic the midfielder will be
available for the second leg of the last eight clash, scheduled for
April 12/13.

Alonso is only two weeks away from a return to full training, with a
possible reserve game pencilled in against Leeds on April 6.

The playmaker's recovery from a broken ankle represents a timely upturn
in fortune for the Reds ahead of the climax of the season.

Benitez believes Liverpool's inconsistent Premiership form since January
has a lot to do with Alonso's absence.

"If everything continues okay, I hope Xabi will be in full training by
the last week of

March. He will be like a new, very important player for us," said
Benitez today.

"Maybe Xabi will be available for the second game of the quarter-final.
He is improving a lot.

"If he's back training with the rest of the squad by the end of the
month, like we hope, he has a good chance.

"It will be good for the team spirit to have him back. Not only will it
give the side a lift, it will also make those who are playing work even
harder to stay in the team."

Liverpool will discover on Friday who they'll face in the last eight of
Europe, but there's plenty of hard work in the Premiership before then.

Contrary to weekend reports, Benitez doesn't believe winger Harry Kewell
requires a three-month rest, suggesting the Aussie should be able to
play within 'three weeks'.

That means he'll definitely miss the Mersey-side derby on Sunday but
could be back for the home game with Bolton on April 2.

Fernando Morientes, meanwhile, will return for Wednesday's Anfield clash
against Blackburn.

"Morientes had a tight groin but it wasn't too serious. He's been
training okay and he'll be fit for the next match," confirmed Benitez.

"Harry Kewell is still unavailable, but I hope he'll be available in two
or three weeks."

* Tickets for Wednesday night's game with Blackburn went on general sale
today.

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