Alonso could make surprise return

[robaldo]

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso could make a surprise return from injury in time for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Alonso, 23, broke his leg on New Year's Day against Chelsea and Reds boss Rafael Benitez had feared he would miss the rest of the campaign.

"If everything continues OK, I hope Xabi will be in full training by the last week of March," Benitez said.

"He will be like a new, very important player for us."

Benitez added: "Maybe Xabi will be available for the second game of the quarter-final which will be on 12 or 13 April.

"He is improving a lot. If he's back training with the rest of the squad by the end of the month, like we hope, he has a good chance."

The Spanish international became a key figure following a £10.5m summer move from Real Sociedad

[The Rule]

Great news, our injuries have cost us badly this season.

[kennethlindheim]

Liverpool could really do with him for the closing of the campaign.

[Smooth Mike Ale]

Maybe his foot is better at taking free kicks now

[DingDong]

it will be good if he really comes back, but what i want now is for morientes or garcia to recover from injury in time for the game against bolton... ::upset::