Aquilani set for Viola start

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed that Alberto Aquilani could make his long-awaited first start for against Fiorentina on Wednesday night.

Aquilani was once again an unused substitute in the goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

The Italian midfielder could now make his first start in Wednesday's Champions League clash with his countrymen Fiorentina with nothing at stake in the encounter.

"Maybe we will start with Aquilani in our next match because today was a very difficult and tough game," said. "But against Fiorentina maybe he will start.

"We were thinking of putting him on today but the game was too open. When a player isn't match fit, it is a risk to put him on the pitch. Maybe it would have been worse for him. At Anfield, with our fans behind him, I think it will be easier.

"It's also a question of the other players being injured. Gerrard was injured before and is fit now. With Gerrard, Lucas and Mascherano we now have balance in the midfield."

Aquilani has made just three substitute appearances since recovering from ankle surgery in the summer, but despite calls for the player to be included in his starting XI Benitez is refusing to rush the former Roma man

"He is a player who needs to settle down," added Benitez. "We are watching him in every training session and he is improving and doing well.

"He can only get match fitness by playing. We were hoping to play him in the reserves the other day but the game was postponed, so we have to carry on and then he will have a chance against Fiorentina."

Benitez also revealed Fernando Torres could return for the Fiorentina tie after recovering from a groin problem.

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