Aquilani's Arsenal hope

Alberto Aquilani believes he is ready to help Liverpool win one of their most important matches of the season on Sunday following his full debut in the 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina.

The summer signing hopes to feature in the 'big four' showdown with Arsenal after coming through 75 minutes unscathed against the Italians.

Aquilani admits he is still short of match fitness following eight months out with an ankle injury - but the Italy international hopes his Champions League run out has put him in the frame for regular action.

"I started for the first time in seven or eight months in the first XI - that's very hard," he told Liverpoolfc.tv in the Anfield tunnel after Wednesday's game.

"After that length of time it's difficult to be fit but I'm happy because I'm playing and that means I'm getting there. My ankle is better, it's improved, so while the result was not good here, from a personal point of view it's been good physically.

"I can play better but it was important to start and to run. I need to play, play, play because I'm in a new team.

"The first half I was okay and then after that a little bit tired, but that's normal. Now I need to work hard in training for my body.

"I hope I can play against Arsenal."

Aquilani claims he is loving life in Liverpool despite spending much of it in the treatment room - and he reckons playing alongside world-class talent will make his transition from Italian football easier.

"It's very good here," he said.

"There are very good players and they can help me. This game was important for the confidence when playing with Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and the other players."

Watch highlights of his full debut now>>