[lfc-news] Cisse joins Reds squad - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 12 April 2005
Cisse joins Reds squad
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

DJIBRIL CISSE will complete a staggering comeback by taking his place on
the Liverpool bench in Turin tomorrow.

Rafael Benitez today confirmed the French striker's complete recovery
from a horrific broken leg suffered in the autumn.

And while the Anfield boss is cautious about the striker's chances of
playing any part against Juventus, he said he would consider using Cisse
if Liverpool need a goal in the later stages.

Cisse has not played for just under six months but his recovery has
defied medical opinion.

"We have had big problems but now we have big solutions," said Benitez.

"We have lost Steven Gerrard but Djibril Cisse and Xabi Alonso are back
in the squad.

"Cisse will not start but he will train with the team and if we need him
we will use him. It's possible he will play some part.

"He may be an option for the end of the game. After six months obviously
he is not fit but he still has qualities which could be useful as a
player who was top scorer all the years he was in France.

"He is someone we want to think about."

Cisse suffered a double fracture of his left leg against Blackburn
Rovers on October 30. It was a comminuted fracture, which means the
bones not only broke, but in parts shattered.

The player himself immediately predicted he would be back within six
months, even though experts thought he could be missing for a year.

Benitez must now ponder a key recall for Alonso.

As he prepared to fly out to Turin today, Benitez said: "We must also
decide on Xabi. We have to be sure he has the physical condition for
this game. But Xabi is a very clever player so he may be able to cope."

Benitez was clearly downbeat about losing his captain but buoyed by the
more positive news.

He added: "Steven is a big player for us and we were thinking of using
him even if it was just on the bench. But it was too much of a risk."

Benitez has not decided yet whether to stick with Scott Carson in goal
or recall Jerzy Dudek. He has confirmed Sami Hyypia will captain the
side in Gerrard's absence as they defend their 2-1 lead from the first leg.

The Liverpool manager is hoping his first European adventure with
Liverpool may prove one of the most memorable in the club's history.

"I hope the fans will soon be talking about one of the best away
performances they can remember in Europe."

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