Alonso back by April?

[quentinc]

From: http://skysports.planetfootball.com/list.asp?hlid=262674&lid=3&cpid=8&title=Rafa+happy+with+Xabi+progress&channel=Premiership

The Reds are waiting to find out their quarter final opponent, having seen off Bayer Leverkusen in the previous round, and Benitez claims Alonso could make the second leg.
"Maybe Xabi will be available for the second game of the quarter final which will be on April 12 or 13," added Benitez. "He is improving a lot.

[youllneverwalkalone]

Yes, i've heard this from a few different sources, and I sure hope he's back for at least the second leg. That would be a big boost for us and might help us get through to the quarters.

[I_Am_A_Rock]

yay this is great news! Xabi is a really important part of out team and with him back we would have a better chance to win the CL

[richfei]

I just hope that he's not rushed back though. I just hope he gets a few reserve games in before being thrown into the fire. The expectations seem to be so high on Xabi. I'd rather he rest up and just leave him on the bench and Rafa just brings him on, if things are not working out

[usscouse]

I just hope that he's not rushed back though. I just hope he gets a few reserve games in before being thrown into the fire. The expectations seem to be so high on Xabi. I'd rather he rest up and just leave him on the bench and Rafa just brings him on, if things are not working out
I hope so too, I think Rafa and the training staff will be on top of this though.
A lot will depend on how the CL goes, on how much he'll be used.

[quentinc]

We need Alonso now more than ever.

[ScouseCat]

We need Alonso now more than ever.
There's no point rushing Alonso back in until he's fully fit and ready to go. The last thing we need is for him to re-injure his ankle because we rushed him back early.

[quentinc]

There's no point rushing Alonso back in until he's fully fit and ready to go. The last thing we need is for him to re-injure his ankle because we rushed him back early.
Yes, but if he's ready to go, there's no point in not letting him play.

[WarrenAbao]

Woohoo!

Xabi Alonso has given Liverpool's Champions League hopes a massive boost by playing 45 minutes for the Reserves in the 1-0 defeat by Leeds United at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground. (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N148399050406-2248.htm)

Alonso played the second half and was quickly into his stride, making tackles and spraying the ball about with quality passes left, right and centre. He looked really sharp and combined superbly in midfield with John Welsh.

<...>

After 70 minutes Alonso produced a brilliant cross from the left wing which he hit with the outside of his right foot, but after a goalmouth scramble Liverpool just couldn't force the ball home.

A superb Alonso pass then sent Partridge racing away but despite cutting into the area he shot wide.

[655321]

I'm sure Rafa will only use him if it's absolutely necessary...but that's great news.

[Draconian]

It certainly sounds promising my friend, doesn't it? :D It's good to have you back Xabi, we've missed you dearly.

[Samarkand]

Saw an interview where he said he needed about 3 or 4 games to be match fit, but a run out against Man. City if the score is right would set him up nicely for some type of sub's appearance against Juve.

[Suss]

Xabi played 45 minutes for the reserves today against Leeds.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N148399050406-2248.htm

[youllneverwalkalone]

Saw an interview where he said he needed about 3 or 4 games to be match fit, but a run out against Man. City if the score is right would set him up nicely for some type of sub's appearance against Juve.

Agreed, I hope Rafa brings him on for about the last half hour. That should give him some good first team action to where he may be able to get some playing time at Juve.

[TruReds]

With due respect to Juventus and the importance of the CL 2nd leg, I regard Alonso as our ultimate weapon to unsettle Juve's defence knowing his visions and capabilities.

However, his lack of match fitness might limit his contributions to the cause. That said, as in poker game you don't flash your ACE too easily. :cool:

[Goldberg]

Alonso is the best player in Liverpool he has got great passing. He is coming back against Juve in the sencond leg so Juve watch the man is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!