Amongst the deadline day non-news, we were treated to a little injury update from Anfield, with Rafa apparently beaming about the progress of two key injuries in his squad. Fabio Aurellio and Alberto Aquilani are yet to take the field for Liverpool this season. When they return, they are set to have an impact on many fantasy lineups…
First up, Rafa confirmed that Fabio Aurelio has returned to training following a knee injury and is expected to return to the Liverpool squad after the international break.
“Fabio is back training and playing football,” Benitez said. “After the end of the international break I don’t think he will have any problems and he will be able to be involved in normal training sessions and be in the squad”.
This could well sound the death knell for Insua as a fantasy option. The Argentinian has done a decent job at left-back in Aurelio’s absence, but Liverpool have clearly lacked attacking options down the left compared to the Johnson’s frequent bursts down the right. Aurelio will bring more impetus down the left flank and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him installed immediately for the Burnley game in gameweek 5. That would certainly make Aurelio worthy of consideration, although he is priced significantly higher than Insua across the fantasy games (7.0 vs 6.0 in the Fantasy Premier League game).
Rafa also sounded pleased with the progress being made by new midfielder, Alberto Aquilani. He has been continuing his rehabilitation following the ankle surgery he underwent in May since his arrival at Anfield. Aquilani has yet to return to training however, so a return looks unlikley before early October, with Rafa remaining cagey on an exact return date.
“We cannot put a date on things and it’s important to just see how he progresses.”
Aquilani’s continued absence will likely see Lucas remain in the Liverpool lineup, unless of course Rafa opts to bring Gerrard back alongside Mascherano and start with both Riera and Benayoun or even Voronin. Gerrard has, at times, looked more effective in the past two games when he has shifted to a deeper role to dictate play.