Alonso expected to play

Last updated : 03 November 2004 By Al Campbell
Alonso picked up a slight calf injury after getting a kick against Blackburn and was a doubt for tonight's game. However, he was able to train last night and the manager belives he is ready to play.

Benitez said: "It is good news for us that Xabi has trained. He is looking okay now but he is still feeling the knock he got on his calf against Blackburn.
 
"We will have to wait and see how he feels before the game but at the moment we have to be optimistic because he is determined to play. The doctor thinks he should be okay and Xabi keeps telling me he will be."