Porto 1-1 Liverpool

Liverpool escaped with a fortunate draw after a poor display against Porto in this Champions League Group A match. Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina gave away a penalty and was beaten by Lucho Gonzalez’s spot-kick on eight minutes.

Despite their error-strewn first-half performance, Dirk Kuyt pulled Liverpool level with a close-range header.

But Liverpool had to play with 10 men for over 30 minutes of the second half after Jermaine Pennant was sent off after picking up a second yellow card.

Porto v Liverpool

Liverpool’s Mohamed Sissoko and John Arne Riise will miss Tuesday’s Champions League match against Porto. Left-back Riise is ruled out of the Group A encounter with a groin injury he picked up on international duty with Norway last week.

Midfielder Sissoko and left winger Harry Kewell will also fail to make the trip to Portugal.

But the left-sided Fabio Aurelio is back in the squad after a lengthy absence with an Achilles tendon injury.

“Fabio is back which is good news for us,” said Reds manager Rafael Benitez.

“He has worked hard to recover from his injury and could be a useful asset for us.”

Liverpool finished as runners-up last season after losing to AC Milan in the final and Benitez will face a dilemma in terms of his starting line-up in attack.

Peter Crouch and Andriy Voronin got the nod for the 0-0 draw with Portsmouth on Saturday but Fernando Torres is expected to start with Dirk Kuyt also in contention.

source:bbcsports

Portsmouth 0-0 Liverpool

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina saved a penalty but Liverpool slipped off the top of the Premier League after they were held to a draw at Portsmouth. Reina dived low to his right to save Kanu’s penalty, after Alvaro Arbeloa had tugged the Nigerian’s shirt.

Portsmouth were impressive and John Utaka should have at least hit the target from 14 yards.

Andriy Voronin grazed the Pompey crossbar, while David James saved from Yossi Benayoun and Peter Crouch.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez cut a frustrated figure on the touchline but Pompey, who have now played all of the so-called ‘top four’ in their opening six Premier League games of the season, were good value for their point.

And having left Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard on the bench - no doubt mindful of the midweek Champions League tie with Porto - Benitez clearly took a gamble that did not pay off as his team failed to score for the first time this season.

Reds welcome back Aurelio

Fabio Aurelio is closing in on a first-team return after playing for the club’s reserves.

 The Brazilian left-back has been out of action since rupturing his Achilles tendon in a Champions League match with PSV Eindhoven in April. The club predicted that Aurelio would be out for around six months, but he has made a quicker than expected recovery.

Aurelio played in a behind closed doors reserve team friendly against Crewe on Tuesday.

“He’s been training well and now we think he is ready. It’s positive news to have him back,” manager Rafa Benitez told Liverpool’s official website.

The news is another boost to Liverpool. Captain Steven Gerrard appears to have recovered from a broken toe, while Jamie Carragher is closing on a first-team return after breaking a rib against Sunderland last month.

source:premierleague

Gerrard fit for Israel qualifier

England midfielder Steven Gerrard has been passed fit for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel at Wembley on Saturday. The Liverpool skipper has been doubtful with a broken toe, but coach Steve McClaren confirmed he will start.

McClaren also said under-fire keeper Paul Robinson will play despite his mistake against Germany in August.

But Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves will have a fitness test on Saturday on his thigh problem.

McClaren confirmed Gerrard has come through training without any troubles, but will wait until Saturday for a decision on Hargreaves.

He said: “It will be a big boost for everyone but most of all it will be a boost for Stevie Gerrard because he wants to play in this game.

Derby’s Fagan gets four-match ban

Derby County’s Craig Fagan has been hit with a four-match suspension by the Football Association for stamping on Liverpool’s Alvaro Arbeloa on Saturday. Striker Fagan, 24, was found guilty of misconduct by an FA regulatory commission, after denying the charge.

“The commission imposed the automatic three-match ban, plus an additional match as they considered the denial to be frivolous,” said an FA statement.

Fagan can appeal against the additional one-game ban, but not the three games.

The FA statement added: “Referee Alan Wiley confirmed that he did not see the incident, and that had he done so he would have sent Fagan off.”

Fagan will miss games against Newcastle (home), Arsenal (away), Bolton (home) and Reading (away).

source:bbcsports

England may defy Reds on Gerrard

England have not ruled out the possibility of giving Steven Gerrard an injection so he can play in Saturday’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel. Gerrard has a broken toe and Reds boss Rafa Benitez says he does not want the influential midfielder to have a jab.

But England coach Steve McClaren says Gerrard is keen to play on Saturday and will have an injection if necessary.

“We’re leaving it as late as possible but we want Steven on the field and we want him ready to play,” said McClaren.

“We will liaise with Liverpool and we will do nothing to put the player at risk, but we will also go a lot on how Steven feels and what he wants.”

Fagan is charged

Derby County striker Craig Fagan has been charged with violent conduct.

Fagan was charged in relation to an incident during the game against Liverpool on Saturday. He appeared to stamp on Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa as the pair tangled on the touchline during the 6-0 victory for the Reds, although the incident was not seen at the time by referee Alan Wiley.

The former Hull City player has until 6pm on Wednesday to respond to admit or deny the charge, which is a punishable by a three-match ban if he is found guilty.

Meanwhile, Rams defender Jay McEveley is in line for a competitive international debut this weekend. The 22-year-old already has one cap under his belt with an outing in Scotland’s 1-0 win over South Africa last month.

Four absent from England training

Head coach Steve McClaren’s England squad trained without four key players ahead ahead of the crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia. Captain John Terry missed the squad’s first training session due to illness, ahead of the Group E game against Israel at Wembley on Saturday.

Midfielders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard did not take part as they have thigh and toe problems respectively.

Owen Hargreaves spent a session in the gym rather than with the other players.

Terry reported to the squad on Monday evening feeling under the weather, but both he and Hargreaves are expected to train on Wednesday.

Gerrard continued his rehabilitation from a broken toe with some gym work, but he has assured McClaren he will be fit for England’s crucial double-header.

Rafa urges Gerrard caution

Liverpool will hand Steven Gerrard over to England’s care this week with Rafael Benitez urging Steve McClaren not to take any risks with his captain.

Despite missing Liverpool’s six-goal thrashing of Derby at the weekend as he continues to recover from a broken toe, Gerrard has assured McClaren he will be available for the crucial Euro 2008 double-header with Israel and Russia.

The certainty with which Gerrard made his declaration has led to speculation the midfielder would be prepared to have the kind of painkilling injection which allowed him to get through Liverpool’s Premier League encounter with Chelsea at Anfield last month.