Tuesday 3 April 2007

PSV EINDHOVEN VS LIVERPOOL

Start: Apr 3, '07
Location: Philips Stadion, Holland

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez expects to have all his big guns back for Tuesday´s Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven.

Benitez rested Steve Finnan and Sami Hyypia for the 4-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday, but his biggest worry was the injury to Wales striker Bellamy.

Bellamy suffered a bad kick in the side during his country's 3-0 victory over San Marino last week, and was always a doubt for the clash with the Gunners.

Bellamy was in the wars during Wales' two Euro 2008 qualifiers, and suffered an ankle injury in a collision with Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given four days before the San Marino match.


Benitez decided to leave him on the sidelines, but he believes Bellamy will be fit to be involved against the Dutch league leaders in the quarter-final first leg.

The Spanish coach said: "We made decisions ahead of the Arsenal game not to use players who had been away on international duty, sometimes it is easier to do that against a smaller side, but against a very top side like Arsenal it is difficult.

"But we had to use the squad to be sure we went into the PSV game with as many people as possible fresh and ready.

"PSV had people at Anfield to watch us, and they will have seen us score four against Arsenal, who they beat in the last Champions League round. I hope they left worried."

Benitez is confident Bellamy will be back to contest a front position with Saturday's hat-trick hero Peter Crouch and Holland striker Dirk Kuyt.

Benitez said: "Craig will be okay. He has sore ribs from the internationals which is why he did not play against Arsenal. But I expect him to be okay to join the squad.

"Momo Sissoko is suspended, but Steve Finnan and Sami Hyypia who were rested against Arsenal, will both be ready for the trip."


Benitez has scotched suggestions that skipper Steven Gerrard was injured against Arsenal when he came off after an hour.

"We changed Stevie because he was tired. He had a small problem before the game after the internationals but he was able to play 60 minutes," Benitez said.

"I do not see any problem with him playing in Eindhoven, he had a tough two games for England but he is okay now."

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