Reina injury scare

[Dan]

RAFAEL BENITEZ has left the door open for Harry Kewell to make a late bid for a Champions League final berth ? as semi-final hero Pepe Reina suffered an injury scare.

 

The goalkeeper, who saved two spot-kicks during the dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea at Anfield in midweek, will undergo a scan to discover the extent of the shoulder injury he suffered on Saturday at Fulham.

 

Liverpool will be hoping that the blow he suffered when collecting a cross in the first half while under pressure from Brian McBride will not result in any lasting damage to threaten his participation in the final in Athens on May 23. He finished the game, but was in some discomfort.

 

Meanwhile, Kewell made his long-awaited comeback for Liverpool as a 77th-minute substitute in the disappointing 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage.

 

It was the 28-year-old?s first appearance for the Anfield outfit since limping out of last season?s FA Cup victory over West Ham in Cardiff ? the second successive year injury had curtailed his involvement in a final.

 

 

The number seven, who departed the Ataturk pitch to a chorus of boos from his own fans in 2005, was not expected to play again this term after undergoing a series of operations on his troublesome groin.

 

 

But Benitez has now challenged the Australian to prove his fitness and influence the Spaniard?s plans ahead of the May 23 showpiece in Sunday?s home clash with Charlton.

 

 

?It was possible for me to see Harry play again, we will see if he can feature in the rest of the season and maybe he will have a chance of playing in the final,? said the Spanish boss after Clint Dempsey?s 69th-minute strike condemned his men to a second successive league defeat.

 

 

?If he plays well this week in training and next weekend, Harry has a chance of playing. He has time.

 

 

?We need to test him. Physically, he really needs to play, he needs to tackle, to sprint and come back. It is too soon to say whether he will start.

 

 

?He might start next Sunday but it depends on how he trains in the week.?

 

 

Kewell was not the only Liverpool player to have his 2005 European Cup final cut short by injury. Former Fulham defender Steve Finnan, who received a warm welcome from the home fans when he replaced Emiliano Insua on 75 minutes at Craven Cottage, was substituted at half-time in the Ataturk with a leg strain.

 

 

Finnan believes the return of Kewell will give Benitez?s men a timely boost ahead of their Athens date with AC Milan.

 

 

?I don?t know whether Harry expected to play again this season but it is good that he came on and managed to get some minutes,? he said. ?It?s great because he?s been out a long time, so it is like having a new player. He might play his part in the final.

 

 

?It has been a difficult season for him with operations so I just think he has been trying to recover.

 

 

?Probably the main objective for him is to get ready for pre-season and get fit for the new season and if he can play a few games then all well and good. ?He gives us a balance on the left-hand side so it gives us competition. He can play on the right and up front.?

 

 

Momo Sissoko will also undergo a scan after suffering a knock to his knee.

[psl]

Bugger. Worried me on Saturday when he kept holding his shoulder and looking in pain.

[Dan]

Wonder if we could get Carson back if the worst comes to the worst.

[Mikey]

Wonder if we could get Carson back if the worst comes to the worst.

His loan finished this morning I believe, he can't play against us and thats the only game charlton have left.

[Magic8Ball]

His loan finished this morning I believe, he can't play against us and thats the only game charlton have left.

but is not registered for the CL - Hope Pepe is ok -- we can play someone else in goal for the charlton game

[psl]

Think Dudek would have played against Charlton anyhow.

[Maldini]

He's got a knock too doesn't he, hence Padelli being on the bench.

[Bo Benn]

He's got a knock too doesn't he, hence Padelli being on the bench.

 

Last quote from Dudek says he wants to play the last game to say goodbye to the fans, implying that he is good to go. I wouldn't mind, it's pretty much a friendly now as 3rd place is our only ambition with that game.

 

If Pepe has a slight tickle on his shoulder me thinks he should be put in inside a septic bubble until the final. But that's only my professional opinion.

Edited May 8, 2007 by obey Hysén