While Robbie Keane’s signing fills the headlines and speculation over whether he will take any part in the friendly in Villareal on Wednesday evening, one new striker likely to feature is French forward David Ngog (pictured).
19 year old Ngog arrived from PSG last week and has been training at Melwood, along with the Spanish quartet – Torres, Alonso, Arbeloa, Reina.
Although they have only just returned to training at the end of last week, the Spanish lads are likely to feature at some stage given the opposition and venue, especially Reina – whom is the subject of why the match is taking place as part of the deal which saw him leave Villareal for Liverpool three summers ago.
Rafa Benitez has a handful of players struggling with slight injuries; Steven Gerrard, Andriy Voronin, Jay Spearing and Fabio Aurelio. Although Spearing was part of the XI which played Stockport on Saturday.
Jermaine Pennant has returned to training and full back Steve Finnan is now fully fit. Dirk Kuyt has also stepped up his training since arriving back from his holiday following Euro 08.
Benitez is without Olympic duty players Mascherano, Babel and Lucas.
Promising young striker Kristzian Nemeth, who hasn’t been involved in pre-season thus far due to representing Hungary in the European Under 19’s, could also make an appearance. He was on the bench against Stockport at the weekend.
Match is 8:30pm kick off, live on Sky Sports 1.
