Skip to main content

Luis Suarez ‘champing at the bit,’ says Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool boss reveals Uruguayan can’t wait to tear into Manchester United, writes Greg Leedham

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers can’t wait to unleash Luis Suarez on struggling Manchester United on Wednesday night.

Suarez, who will return from a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, has been “fantastic” in training, according to Rodgers.

“It has been a really difficult time for him not playing games,” said Rodgers, who confirmed today that a decision would be made in the next 24 hours as to whether the 26-year-old would start at Old Trafford in the League Cup third-round clash.

“How he has prepared himself over the last number of weeks has been fantastic. He’s really champing at the bit to help the team.

“Everyone knows the depth of his quality and his attitude. Once he gets back on the field again he will show what he has shown since he’s been here.”

Asked whether Suarez had learned his lesson Rodgers was guarded, saying: “We will see, we will see.”

There are 11 matches in the League Cup on Tuesday night.

Aston Villa host in-form Tottenham, with Villans boss Paul Lambert set to make sweeping changes to his line-up.

Gabriel Agbonlahor and Antonio Luna are almost certain to sit out after returning from injury problems in Saturday’s Premier League win at Norwich.

Jed Steer is set to replace Brad Guzan in goal and there are also expected to be starting places for the likes of Nicklas Helenius and Yacouba Sylla.

Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas claimed yesterday that his side have been denied a fair crack at winning the competition due to fixture congestion.

The Londoners travel to Villa Park barely 48 hours after their 1-0 Premier League win at Cardiff and Villas-Boas said: “This is an impossible game for us to play, but hopefully our team spirit and motivation can get us through.”

Fulham boss Martin Jol is seeking a morale-boosting victory in the all-Premier League clash with Everton at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers will bid to respond from Saturday’s 2-0 west London derby loss at Chelsea by ending a six-match winless run at home.

“We need a win,” said Jol, whose side beat Sunderland on the opening day and defeated Burton Albion in the League Cup second round for their only wins of the campaign.

“It’s good for the spirit of the team if we get back to winning games.”

Spain winger Juan Mata and Brazil defender David Luiz are to feature as Chelsea travel to Swindon.

Manager Jose Mourinho has told Mata, who has made two starts this term after being near ever-present in his first two seasons at Chelsea, to prove his worth at the County Ground.

Right-back Cesar Azpilicueta, left-back Ryan Bertrand and midfielder Michael Essien are in line to feature for a Chelsea side with no fitness concerns.

Former Celtic striker Gary Hooper will make his full debut for Norwich at Watford.

Team captain Sebastien Bassong limped out of the Canaries’ defeat to Aston Villa with a hamstring problem and will therefore not feature against the Championship side.

Striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel (toe) is unavailable and Elliott Bennett is out with cruciate ligament damage, but 18-year-old forward Josh Murphy could make his debut for Chris Hughton’s side.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 9,899
We need:£ 8,101
12 Days remaining
Donate today