Alberto Aquilani has returned to training today after missing Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth with a calf injury.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is hopeful the Italian midfielder will be fit to face Wolves at Anfield on Boxing Day.

Reports earlier this week suggested that Aquilani became the fifth Liverpool player this season to receive the mysterious “horse placenta” muscle treatment, flying out to Belgrade with Nabil El Zahr.

“Alberto was working with the physios on Tuesday because he had a knock in his calf but he will train today with the team and hopefully will be available for the weekend,” Benitez told the club’s official web site.

“We have two games in three days and then the FA Cup so we will need Alberto. He is a player with quality which we need, especially as we are without Javier Mascherano.”

Benitez also confirmed that El Zahr, Albert Riera and Martin Kelly continue to be sidelined through injury and won’t be expected back until into the New Year.

“Riera, Nabil and Kelly are still injured,” he added. “They are improving but are not ready yet. Maybe in two weeks they will all be available. This year we have had too many injuries so having players coming back will be better for us.”

Liverpool vs Wolves gets underway at 5.30pm on Saturday, 26th December.