Aquilani begins running

Summer signing steps up rehabilitation programme

Last updated: 25th September 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Aquilani begins running

Aquilani: No timescale

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez hopes summer signing Alberto Aquilani's return from injury may 'go a bit faster' now the Italian has started running in his rehabilitation.

The former Roma player arrived at Anfield in August after Benitez paid £20million for a player viewed as an ideal replacement for Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid.

However, Aquilani, who has a reputation for being susceptible to injury, has yet to play this season as he was signed when recovering from an ankle operation.

Benitez, though, has confirmed that the Italy international has stepped up his rehabilitation by beginning running at the Reds' Melwood training ground.

The Liverpool boss has now hinted Aquilani could return ahead of schedule, telling the club's official website: "He's going forward, progressing and he started running. If that goes okay then everything will go a bit faster.

But Benitez has not set a timescale for Aquilani's comeback, despite reports that the midfielder could be ready to face Sunderland in mid-October.

"We have not set a target or any time, but he's doing well," said the Spaniard.

Comments (8)

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Nampard Timothy (Liverpool fan) says...

Aquilani will lift Liverpool more than Alonso. He is dearly missed.

Posted 09:45 30th September 2009

Kevin Donnelly (Liverpool fan) says...

Lets be fair and give the guy a chance before passing judgment!! I remember Rafa agreeing to pay £18m on a West Ham bench warmer and that seemed to work out pretty well for us and Mascherano!!!

Posted 05:22 29th September 2009

Andrew Amegatcher (Liverpool fan) says...

Great players and coaches like Totti and Wenger have said good things about him and Ive seen a few videos of him albeit highlights, but quality is quality and it doesn't take long to realize he has some quality. I just hope he adapts as quickly as Fernando did and manages to stay fit. If that happens, he would be a great buy especially since he can play multiple positions in midfield. I don't know what on Earth Luca Rivera is talking about( I bet he knows better than Wenger) As for Jimmy Vo, has he stopped to think that it can be seen as a strong endorsement that an injured player is bought for 20min. And about fitting into the team and the league, unless a player has played in the Premiere League before or has been on trials at the team, its always a gamble but he should ask himself how many of the top performers in the league (past and present) haven't come from other leagues and excelled; Klinsman, Cantona, Ginola, Ronlado, Torres, Alonso, Berbatov....need I go on

Posted 22:36 28th September 2009

Prince Nyati (Liverpool fan) says...

I have to admit that I had never heard of Aquilani before the transfer window. But for what it's worth, lets look at the following players: Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Emiliano Insua, Alberto Reira, Alvaro Albeloa....These players were nothing speacial before we signed them yet they flourishd at Liverpool and now they are all starters for their national teams. I think our scouts have a good eye for talent, and I have a good feeling about this particular signing. So, Good job, Rafa. It may take Aquilani a few months to settle. But he'll come around. P.S: I think Babel and Lucas will improve significantly this season.

Posted 13:28 28th September 2009

Tom Chua (Liverpool fan) says...

Anyone that doesn't know anything about Aquilani should please get back into their shells. Who knows better than the manager that bought him? Did anyone play with him while he was at Roma? If you don't have any idea, then keep quiet and Rafa do his job, okay? Aquilani is going to play and do well. I have seen a few games he's played and it was fantastic! There's always a start for everything. Be sure first before passing silly judgments. YNWA!

Posted 21:52 26th September 2009

Luca Rivera (Roma fan) says...

I was born and raised in Rome, and I've watched Aquilani come up through our youth system. I really want to know what Liverpool see in him, and if they actually think he's a viable replacement to anything they've lost... he's a sub-par player, by most standards, and he's not going to be able to replace Alonso..

Posted 16:35 25th September 2009

Kyle Jenkins (Liverpool fan) says...

This is great news for liverpool, hopefully this guy can add to our squad and help us challenge for the title, the games we need to win are the ones against the top four.

Posted 15:46 25th September 2009

Jimmy Vo (Liverpool fan) says...

I think this was a bad signing from the start. 20 mil for an injured player...c'mon now. we don't even know if this guy can fit into the team or be able to adapt to the EPL

Posted 15:42 25th September 2009
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