ALEXANDER DONI is preparing to return to Liverpool to fight for a place in Brendan Rodgers’ squad.
The Brazilian goalkeeper has been on extended leave in his homeland due to personal problems since missing the pre-season tour of North America in July.
However, after a four-month absence, Doni is finally expected back at Melwood over the next fortnight to challenge fellow shot-stoppers Pepe Reina, Brad Jones and Peter Gulacsi.
Doni, who joined the Reds on a free transfer from Roma in July 2011, spent most of his first year at Anfield warming the bench as Reina’s understudy.
The 32-year-old finally made his debut against Aston Villa back in April when Reina began a three-match ban. He would have started in the FA Cup semi-final with Everton but his Wembley dream was dashed by a red card against Blackburn Rovers and Jones played instead.
Doni made the last of his four appearances for the Reds at Swansea City on the final day of last season.
Considering the competition for places, the former Brazil international faces a battle to force his way into Rodgers’ plans, but as it stands two of the manager’s three keepers are hampered by injury.
Reina, who had missed the two previous matches, was expected to return to action for Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison but aggravated his hamstring problem in training.
With Jones starting in goal, Gulacsi would have been named among the substitutes against Everton but the Hungarian, who has yet to make his first team debut, was ruled out after having four stitches in his finger, which split after saving a shot at Melwood on Saturday.
As a result, Reina agreed to sit on the bench, despite not being fully fit. The Spaniard has had further treatment and will be carefully monitored by the club’s medical staff this week.
Jones will remain in goal for tomorrow night’s Capital One Cup tie with Rodgers’ former club Swansea City at Anfield.
The Reds boss is expected to make wholesale changes following the energy-sapping 2-2 draw with Everton.
Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez are set to be rested ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Liverpool insist there is no truth in speculation that they are trying to sign Didier Drogba on a short-term deal. Reports have suggested that the 34-year-old former Chelsea striker could be snapped up for November and December following the end of his commitments in China with Shanghai Shenhua.
The Reds are in the market for a striker – but not until January and it won’t be Drogba. They are currently assessing possible targets ahead of the transfer window.
