Taken from Guardian website-not good news Liverpool are anxiously awaiting the latest news on a knee injury to Fabio Aurelio amid concerns their first-choice left-back could be sidelined until Christmas. Rafael BenÃtez, the Liverpool manager, is already resigned to starting the new campaign without the Brazilian, who damaged a knee on holiday last month when playing football with his two young children. The 29-year-old was initially expected to be out until September, a time frame that, while disappointing for BenÃtez, did not alter the manager's plans to sell Andrea Dossena as he seeks to increase this summer's transfer budget. Dossena's position at Anfield is now under review, however, as BenÃtez awaits confirmation on whether Aurelio will be absent for three months or, as is now being suggested, six, meaning it will be the new year before the former Valencia defender is in contention for a first-team recall. Liverpool are yet to confirm the extent of Aurelio's injury and the situation has been complicated by it occurring while the defender was in his native Brazil. He was not summoned back for the start of pre-season training this week and may remain abroad to continue his rehabilitation. Aurelio's injury is a major irritation for BenÃtez, although he may persist with attempts to sell Dossena thanks to the emergence of Emiliano Insúa. The 20-year-old Argentinian made 13 confident appearances for the first team last season, despite missing a month due to his involvement in the South American Under-20 Championship, and had overtaken Dossena in the Anfield pecking order by the end of the campaign. Dossena has been linked with a move to Juventus following a disappointing debut season at Anfield, but the Turin club have not yet lodged an official bid. Liverpool expect to improve their options at left-back this week with the signing of the 18-year-old Chris Mavinga from Paris Saint-Germain, although the France Under-18 international is regarded as one for the future. Mavinga, who was also tracked by Arsène Wenger for Arsenal, had not signed a full contract with PSG but Liverpool will have to pay a compensation fee to complete the deal. Glen Johnson trained with the Liverpool squad today for the first time since his £17m transfer from Portsmouth. The full-back and Steven Gerrard were given an extra two days' holiday by BenÃtez having played in World Cup qualifiers last month, and Johnson will be officially unveiled as a Liverpool player tomorrow afternoon. The former Liverpool defender and reserve-team manager Gary Ablett, meanwhile, has been named the new manager of Stockport County. The 43-year-old left Anfield in the culling of the club's academy coaching staff at the end of last season but survived competition from the Celtic coach Neil Lennon to land his first senior managerial post at Edgeley Park.
Insert insua here please. This will need to be his year to really step it up a notch and i fully expect him too. I feel bad for fabio but will be looking forward to seeing insua getting regular starts
Not good news, Fabio is a good player and would not wish injury on anyone, however its time for Insua to step up, he will get a good run now and be first choice left back for the argies in World Cup next year. FACT!!!
This is correct, Insua knows that he could ne the Argie left back so hopefully he'll step up to the plate, hope we keep Bob now though as he can also cover there.
Fcuk it, thats a long time to be out. Great option to have in there but as been's said above it's time for Insua to step up. Aurelio would have been a good temp stand in for Alonso were he injured or to leave
Do people think Insua will be a defo starter next season so? Suppose it depends on whether Doss is sold, or if he isn't, whether Rafa fancies him. I know this sounds a bit bad in a way, but I'd love to see Emiliano get a shot. The kid looks quality.
.This could be a great chance for the lad.Its a pity if it happens that way but thats football.You've got to take your chances when they come.From what i saw last season i think he's defo good enough.
Of course. But maybe given a few games in DM position he could become very good. Hes got a good pass on him, will win headers and is built nice and tall like the best DM's (exception of masch ofc) and not exactly in line with the defensive position but his shooting. Well i was there when he smacked that one in against west ham
flip sake injured and not even the start of the season! here's hoping Insua steps up but it's a lot to ask the boy to fill in for a full season, Yes he's got the potential to be a top player but not really fair to ask him to do it for a full season at such a young age.
I doubt it, if he fancied any1 on the team it would prob be torres or gerrard(Iv heard he likes blondes) Seriously tho is any1 overly surprised to hear fabio's injured AGAIN? Its pretty much a givin at this stage, been the same since he came to the club unfortunately. That free kick he scored against chelsea in the champs league 2nd leg last season was one of the goals of the season imo.