RAFA ON ALONSO INJURY LATESTPaul Eaton 07 January 2009 http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N162768090107-1135.htmLiverpool will wait until the end of the week before deciding if Xabi Alonso is fit to face Stoke City on Saturday. The Spanish midfielder is recovering from a foot injury sustained at Preston at the weekend which foced him to be substituted at half time.
Despite resuming training at Melwood, manager Rafael Benitez today revealed Alonso may need more time for the wound to heal before he can return to competitive football.
"Xabi trained yesterday but the problem is he had seven stitches so clearly it depends if he can put boots on and kick the ball," said Benitez today.
"For running and training I think he will be okay but we have to decide at the end of the week about his boots.
"If he can kick a ball he could be available for Stoke but we will have to wait and see."
Benitez expects Javier Mascherano to recover from an ankle knock in time for the trip to the Potteries, but Alvaro Arbeloa is expected to again miss out with a hamstring problem.
"Arbeloa is improving but I think he will need another week," added Benitez. "Hopefully next week he can train normally again."
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At least we know Xabi can run and train. It's just a matter whether he can kick i guess. Arby's still out. So expect Carra to play right back for a little longer.
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