It’s been a good news week so far for Liverpool; Skrtel and Torres both set to return over the festive period, the Reds top the league at Christmas and Pennant is likely to depart in January… for… Real Madrid?!
Liverpool have had one set-back though in the shape of a hamstring injury to full back Alvaro Arbeloa. The Spaniard has been in impressive form this season, making the right back spot firmly his own.
He suffered the injury in training on Tuesday and is likely to miss two weeks and therefore the Christmas fixtures with Bolton, Newcastle and Preston in the FA Cup.
Rafa Benitez has three options available to him; switch Jamie Carragher to right back and pair Agger with Hyypia in the middle, or Skrtel if he is available; give youngster Stephen Darby his full League debut, or use the injury plagued summer signing Philipp Degen, although he hasn’t fully recovered from a broken toe sustained against Spurs in the League Cup.
Meanwhile, Jermaine Pennant’s incredible transfer to Real Madrid still remains possible according to reports today – despite his personal terms having been previously reported as the problem. Liverpool are said to have accepted a fee in the region of £3m from the Spanish giants. If the deal goes through, Pennant could line-up against the Reds in the Champions League, as the squads are re-submitted for the knockout stages.
