[lfc-news] Injury worries for Rafa ahead of Toon clash - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 2 Mar 2005
Injury worries for Rafa ahead of Toon clash
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL returned to training today for the first time since their
Carling Cup disappointment, with Rafa Benitez sweating on the fitness of
several players.

Djimi Traore, Jerzy Dudek and Harry Kewell picked up knocks in the 3-2
defeat to Chelsea.

Defender Josemi, who made his comeback for the reserves last night, will
also undergo a scan after twisting his knee in the second string's 1-0
loss to Manchester United.

Traore has a thigh injury, Kewell took a kick on the ankle, while Jerzy
Dudek had 10 stitches due to a gashed shin.

Benitez faces the daunting prospect of picking up his players for a
crucial trip to Newcastle.

Should the eight point gap with Everton increase prior to the derby, the
prospect of qualifying for the Champions League will be remote.

Even UEFA Cup qualification is uncertain with Middlesbrough, Bolton and
Spurs realistic contenders for one of the two Euro spots.

Liverpool's defeat in Cardiff means an extra UEFA place goes to the
Premiership, with fifth and sixth rewarded. It's the more lucrative
prize of fourth which is essential.

Any chance of keeping Steven Gerrard rests on Champions League
qualification, although Chelsea may have scuppered their chances of
luring him following their antics on Sunday.

The events in Cardiff helped every other major club in Europe if the
captain moves on.

Meanwhile, the lukewarm possibility of a return for Michael Owen this
summer could also increase with the lure of the Champions League.

Rafa Benitez needs to be convinced to bring Owen back, but if he has
more finances at his disposal it may persuade him.

* Every member of Liverpool's squad wore red wristbands on Sunday in
support of the Hillsborough Justice Campain.

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