[lfc-news] Euro anguish for Hamann - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 22 April 2005
Euro anguish for Hamann
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

DIDI HAMANN has been ruled out of Liverpool's Champions League clashes
with Chelsea.

The German international will play no part in either semi-final leg
after failing to recover from injury.

It had been hoped the Reds' experienced anchorman, who sustained knee
ligament damage against Everton a month ago, would be fit to at least
play some part in the second leg at Anfield on May 3.

But manager Rafael Benitez today confirmed Hamann will miss both
Champions League semi-final games, as will injury-troubled Harry Kewell
who is still fighting for fitness. Numerous problems have kept Kewell on
the sidelines since December.

The news on Hamann is a particular blow, with Xabi Alonso one of several
Liverpool players who have already picked up a yellow card in Europe and
who would be ineligible for the return leg should they collect a caution
at Stamford Bridge.

Hamann and Kewell are due to return to senior training in the next few
days, but Benitez says they won't be fit to be considered in either leg.

"Neither Hamann nor Kewell will be ready to play in either game against
Chelsea," said Benitez today.

"Kewell is training, but it's not possible for him to recover in time.
Didi won't join in with the other players until next week."

Jamie Carragher and Steve Finnan are among the other likely starters
who'll have to tread carefully in London next week.

Alonso, meanwhile, is likely to sit out tomorrow's clash with Crystal
Palace after admitting he's feeling the effects of three games in eight
days.

A further assessment of his condition will be made today before Benitez
makes his decision.

The manager said: "We need to see about Xabi. He's been spending a lot
of time with the masseur undergoing treatment."

"We're are thinking about resting him because he told me after the
Portsmouth game he was tired."

Liverpool have remained on the south coast before heading to London
tonight. They trained yesterday at Southampton's Marchwood complex.

Having secured precious points at Portsmouth, Benitez knows they face
another must-win clash at Selhurst Park. He is hoping the return to
goalscoring form of Fernando Morientes will spark a spree in his
remaining games.

"Fernando scored an important goal which was important for him and the
team," said Benitez.

"That will help his confidence. He's another player who will benefit
from starting pre-season with us early."

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