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Nando: I can be fit for Bolton

Mar 30 2005

By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

 

Fernando Morientes in action

FERNANDO MORIENTES says he has a chance of being declared fit for the visit of Bolton this weekend.

The Liverpool striker (right) is ready to hand manager Rafa Benitez a rare but massive injury boost having made a speedy recovery from the thigh injury which prematurely ended his first Merseyside derby.

Benitez had earlier resigned himself to losing Morientes against Sam Allardyce's in-form side.

But his Spanish striker has already returned to training and is refusing to rule out the possibility of making a dramatic appearance.

"The injury is better. I'm not sure whether I'll be fit for Saturday, but it's possible," said Morientes..

"I've started running in training and there was no pain. The injury isn't as bad as we thought so I'm keeping my fingers crossed I can play against Bolton.

"I hope so because I would like to play against my friends Ivan Campo and Fernando Hierro."

Benitez could now face the dilemma of thrusting his £6.3m signing immediately back into the action at Anfield, or giving him an extra week to completely recover.

The manager is sure to be tempted to select Morientes given his shortage of options.

Milan Baros is suspended, leaving Luis Garcia and Vladimir Smicer as the only other possible alternatives in a striking role.

Even the possibility of using Steven Gerrard as an auxiliary forward is limited because of Didi Hamann's absence. Gerrard will be needed to partner Igor Biscan in midfield.

Benitez will also be able to recall Djimi Traore, who emerged from his comeback in a reserve clash with Wolves unscathed last night.

Traore hasn't featured since injuring his thigh in the Carling Cup final, but played in the 2-0 defeat.

Meanwhile, Liverpool officials were spending a second day in London today defending an FA charge related to the crowd violence which marred the Carling Cup win at Millwall last October.

The Reds are charged with failing to control their supporters. Millwall are also in the dock for a three-day hearing.

Liverpool are strenously denying the accusations and a decision is expected on Friday.

 

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