Liverpool boosted as injury worries ease ahead of clash with Manchester United

Mar 2 2011 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL have received a triple boost ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United at Anfield.

Raul Meireles, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio are all expected to return to full training over the next 48 hours and could be fit to face the Premier League leaders.

Midfielder Meireles limped off early in the second half of last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at West Ham with a knee injury.

However, first team coach Steve Clarke is hopeful the Portugal international will be available.

“Raul had a little problem with his knee,” Clarke said.

“He was struggling a little so as a precaution at the start of the second half we thought it was better to take him off. That gives him a better chance of being ready for the next game.

“He’ll get three or four days on the easier list and then hopefully towards the end of the week we’ll be able to put him back in for the preparations for the weekend.”

Aurelio has missed the last two games after damaging his adductor away to Sparta Prague, while Agger was forced off with a leg injury in the return leg at Anfield last week

“They are both on the easy list at the moment and we’re almost sure Fabio Aurelio will join us (in full training) on Thursday,” Clarke added.

“And we’re hopeful Daniel will join us on Thursday or Friday at the latest.”

Aurelio’s return would be timely with Liverpool in need of a full-back following the loss of Martin Kelly, who will be out for a month with a torn hamstring. Teenage centre-back Danny Wilson played at left-back against the Hammers.

Clarke said: “It’s disappointing for Martin because he’s been on a good run and has been doing well for us.

“It’s a blow for us but we can handle it and we’ll move on.

“The team is for the manager to pick but obviously it opens up possibilities to some players who haven’t been playing. It’s a big opportunity for whoever gets the nod. Hopefully they will go out there and do a good job for the team.”

Record signing Andy Carroll is close to making his debut for the Reds.

The £35million striker hasn’t played since Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat at Tottenham on December 28 due to a thigh injury.

However, he has returned to training and Liverpool will leave it until the end of the week before deciding whether he’s fit enough to play some part in Sunday’s game against United.