Liverpool to remain patient with Aquilani

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says he will remain patient with £20million summer signing Alberto Aqiulani.

The 25-year old midfielder joined the Reds from Italian outfit AS Roma with an ankle injury and has struggled to regain full fitness since landing at Anfield.

Recent reports have suggested that Benitez was to hand Aquilani a start in this Saturday’s home clash with Manchester City but the Spanish tactician wants to remain patient with him so he does not re-injure his troublesome ankle.

"Alberto wants to play for us and he is so desperate to be involved as quickly as he can but he understands the reasons he cannot start yet,” Benitez said.

"He wants to keep improving his condition and now it is just a matter of him keeping calm as it will not be long before he is there. He is pushing us all the time.

"He is very positive and wants to help the team now but you must remember that we have a responsibility to him, and we will not take any risks at this stage.

"We have got to keep analysing the situation and watching him in every training session but we know that the right time is nearly here. He has a very good mentality."