Aquilani set to miss Benfica tie

(GSM) – Alberto Aquilani will not travel to Lisbon in Liverpool’s Europa League quarter-final first leg clash with Benfica after sustaining an ankle injury.

The Italy international, who picked up the injury while training on Wednesday morning, was expected to play some part in Rafa Benitez’s plans during their crucial away fixture.

However, the news is the latest blow to the Italian’s injury hit campaign.

Aquliani, who arrived at Liverpool from Roma last summer with an ankle problem, has made just eight starts and 11 substitute appearances this season.

“He will not be available for this game,” said Benitez.

“He had a problem with his ankle this morning and we have to fix it.

“It doesn’t seem too serious but it’s the same ankle as before and so we’ll have to analyse the situation carefully.”