From Skysports : Zenden injury leaves Kewell
in line for Athens
The door has been opened for Harry Kewell to make a remarkable
comeback in the Champions League final due to an unlucky training
ground injury to Bolo Zenden.
The Dutch midfielder is on crutches after sustaining the injury at
Liverpool's La Manga training camp in Spain, ahead of next
Wednesday's Champions League final against AC Milan in
Athens.
Zenden - out of contract this summer - played in both legs of the
semi-final against Chelsea, and was ahead of Kewell in the race for
the left-wing spot.
Kewell has only just returned to action after a year out recovering
from groin operations and boss Rafael Benitez - although happy with
the Australian's progress - was sceptical that he would have enough
match fitness under his belt to play the whole 90 minutes of the
final.
But with Zenden's injury, the Spanish coach may have to seriously
consider Kewell, or move full-back John Arne Riise into a midfield
role with Alvaro Arbeloa coming in at left-back.
Chile winger Mark Gonzalez, talking this week about the prospect of
leaving the club in the summer after a disappointing season, could
also find himself in contention for the left-wing role.
Liverpool fly back from Spain tomorrow afternoon, and Benitez will
give Zenden every chance to prove his fitness.
Benitez says: 'Bolo has injured his ankle. He's been treated by the
doctor and the good news is the swelling is not that bad. We will
need to see how it is after more checks.
'It will be difficult to say he will be fit for the final now, but
I won't say no yet. He is strong and determined and it may recover
quickly. I still hope he will be okay.
'It will be a big disappointment for him and for us if it's not
possible. Bolo can bring character, experience and tactical
knowledge to the team.
'He is one of the good options for the left side, but now we must
see how he recovers and decide what to do.'
Benitez has confirmed that goalkeeper Jose Reina is, as expected,
fit for the final.
Reina picked up a shoulder injury at Fulham, and was left out of
the final home league game against Charlton as a precaution.
But the Spanish star has trained normally all week in La Manga to
dispel any fears that he would struggle to face Milan. Benitez also
has number two 'keeper Jerzy Dudek back from a groin injury.
Benitez must also decide whether Pennant plays on the right, but he
has no intention of giving any indication on that position because
it would instantly confirm that Steven Gerrard will play in his
favoured central midfield role.
Benitez only has Luis Garcia and Fabio Aurelio on the long-term
injured list, although Mohamed Sissoko's chances of playing have
been handicapped by injury.
Not fancy Kewell to feature for the whole match , like to see
him in latter part of the game , when the aging men from Milan gets
tired off .
