Carroll set to return to training

Andy Carroll will return to training this week with Kenny Dalglish allaying fears Liverpool's new £35m striker could be out for the rest of the season.

Rumours at the weekend suggested Carroll, who became the club's record signing with his deadline day move from Newcastle United last week, faced a long spell on the sidelines because of a thigh injury that has already kept him out for more than a month.

Liverpool manager Dalglish has been insistent the striker is expected to pull on the red shirt for the first time in a matter of weeks.

And with Carroll due to step up his rehabilitation work at Melwood in the coming days, Dalglish says there is nothing "sinister" in the absence of the England international.

"We said right at the beginning that it will be a few weeks," said the Scot. "There is nothing sinister in it. He has been thoroughly checked over, he is progressing well.

"I think the people who made that assertion (that Carroll is out for the season) have got a good chance of being wrong."

While Carroll must wait for his debut, Luis Suarez could make his first start since his £22.75m move from Ajax when Wigan Athletic visit Anfield tomorrow.

Steven Gerrard is also hopeful of being available despite missing England's friendly win at Denmark on Wednesday because of a groin problem, while Martin Skrtel should be fit after missing out for Slovakia in midweek with a thigh complaint.

One player definitely absent, though, is Joe Cole, whose efforts to kickstart a spluttering Liverpool career are being hampered by a knee injury.

Since appearing in the Europa League draw against Steaua Bucharest on December 2, the 29-year-old has played a full 90 minutes just once and has yet to play for Dalglish, having been an unused substitute for three matches last month before his latest setback.

"Obviously he got off to a bad start when he got sent off in the first game," said Dalglish.

"He lost a bit of the momentum he gained and he's picked up a few injuries but was training really well here and then just tweaked his knee a bit.

"He'll be a bit frustrated but so are we because it would be great to see Joe on the pitch.

"But, given a bit of luck, he shouldn't be too far away and I'd have thought if we get Joe Cole fit and available, he'll be a good asset for us."

Source: Daily Post

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