SPORT NEWS

Preview: Atletico Madrid v Liverpool

by setanta.com staff , 22 April 2010

Ryan Babel is back in the Liverpool squad for Thursday night's Europe League semi-final, first leg clash with Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital.


The Dutch international has served a one-match suspension for his sending off against Benfica in the last round and his return provides a welcome boost for an injury ravaged Reds side.

Ex-Atletico ace Fernando Torres will not play again this season because of a knee injury, while on-loan Atletico midfield man Maxi Rodriguez is ineligible.

Defenders Fabio Aurelio, Emiliano Insua (both thigh), Martin Skrtel (foot) and Martin Kelly (knee) were all left behind on Merseyside to continue their rehabilitation.

That of course means that those players at least aovided the arduos trip by road and rail that the Reds had to make on their way to Spain due to the volcani ash disruption.

In a major blow for Atletico, striking ace Sergio Aguero is suspended, so Jose Manuel Jurado is set to partner Diego Forlan up front.

Former Liverpool target and tormentor Simao is set to be another one of their main threats as they look to offset their disappointing league form with some European success.

Sensationally, Atletico have reached this point despite winning just one game in Europe all season, excluding qualifiers.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Agger, Lucas, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun, Ngog, Cavalieri, Babel, Aquilani, Degen, El Zhar, Pacheco, Ayala, Plessis.


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