Liverpool’s preparations for their Champions League semi-final first leg tie with Chelsea have received a boost with the news that both Harry Kewell and Milan Baros have been passed fit to play.
Kewell has suffered a number of injury problems all season but with Liverpool short of attacking options, the Australian has declared himself fit.
“He said he was fit if I wanted him. Having him back is a boost for the whole squad,” said manager Rafael Benitez.
Benitez is also confident that Baros will recover from a knee injury.
“Milan did not train on Monday but he will, I believe, be OK for the match,” said Benitez.
“Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia have both trained properly and will also be fit.”
Kewell has played just twice since mid-December due to a succession of injuries, and he angered Benitez in March when he refused to travel to the Champions League second leg in Bayer Leverkusen.
However, Benitez is hopeful that he will have a part to play at Stamford Bridge.
“He has been training for a few weeks and although he would not be able to start the match he could play for 20 or even 40 minutes,” said Benitez.
Chelsea have beaten Liverpool three times this season, but Benitez believes his side’s European form is good enough to beat them.
“Things are always different in the Champions League,” Benitez told his club’s website.
“Chelsea have been very good in the Premiership but they’re not invincible.
“All the teams can beat each other in England. We will have to be strong and compact as a team.”
