Agger set to hand Dalglish fitness boost

Danield Agger is set to ease Kenny Dalglish’s injury problems with the Liverpool defender on the verge of a comeback.

The Danish international has missed the last three games after receiving a kick to his knee in the closing stages of the victory over Sparta Prague nearly three weeks ago.

Agger has made good progress with the club's medical staff at Melwood and is in contention to face Braga in the Europa League last 16 second leg tie at Anfield on Thursday night.

Alternatively, Dalglish may decide to hold him back for Sunday's Premier League trip to Sunderland.

Agger's return will be a welcome boost for the Reds boss who is currently without skipper Steven Gerrard, Martin Kelly, Fabio Aurelio and Jonjo Shelvey.

His options have been depleted in recent weeks but Dalglish insists the Reds can cope with the spate of injuries as they look to keep their European dream alive.

"Everyone in the squad is capable of playing in the first team," he insisted.

"Those that haven't played as much are very important to us and their attitude in the games they have played in the past has been superb.

"When you look to a club and try to get success, the strength of what lies behind (the first team) and their application when they do get an opportunity is the important thing."

Gerrard is out for three to four weeks after undergoing surgery on his groin last Thursday. Kelly is eyeing a comeback from a torn hamstring after the upcoming international break, while Aurelio's return after a similar problem is a week further off.

Shelvey is a long term absentee as he recovers from a damaged knee tendon but the Reds haven't given up hope of him playing again before the end of the season.

"We have got one or two problems but with only two league games in March, it gives us a lot of those niggles a chance to clear up," Dalglish added. "We just have to go with what we have got.

"The players we put in there are well capable of doing themselves justice and doing the club proud and the players have to accept injuries are part and parcel of the game and put up with it."

Source: Liverpool Echo

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