DANIEL AGGER expects to be fit for Liverpool’s game with Wigan Athletic this weekend despite withdrawing from international duty with Denmark.
The defender pulled out of his country’s friendly against Turkey tonight as a precaution due to a groin injury.
Agger claimed he should not have played in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Sunday because of the injury, but did so after Martin Skrtel was taken ill.
The 27-year-old is hopeful the injury will not keep him out of Saturday’s Anfield clash with Wigan. He will be closely monitored by Liverpool’s medical staff at Melwood this week, but is expected to be available for selection.
“I should not have played on Sunday,” Agger said. “But Skrtel became ill and there was not much I could do. I was thrown into it.
“I have a pulled groin. It was something that should have kept me out on Sunday but it did not. I played the game.
“It takes hopefully only a few days to recover.
“The reason why I have cancelled for Wednesday is that it is a bit early to play three days after I played 90 minutes with a groin problem.”
Liverpool already have fitness doubts over goalkeeper Pepe Reina (hamstring ) and Jonjo Shelvey (thigh).
Agger, meanwhile, has been named Denmark’s Player of the Year for the second time.
“Winning this award is one of the greatest things you can achieve as a Danish footballer,” he said. “I’m really committed to spending all my time involved in football. I have to admit that there were times when I doubted that I would ever stand here.
“I have been down and out with injuries but awards like this make me want to keep going.”
