Zenden set to be fit - Sport - Evening Standard
       

Zenden set to be fit

Bolo Zenden looks to have won his fight to be involved in Liverpool's Champions League final squad against AC Milan tomorrow.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was predictably coy about his selection options at his media conference at the Olympic Stadium, but on Zenden's injury, the Spanish coach said: "He looks like he will be okay, he has trained and I expect him to be fit."

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The midfielder damaged an ankle in training last week in La Manga, and although he returned from Spain on crutches, Benitez has given him every chance to prove his fitness.

The 30-year-old took a full part in the training session tonight in the Olympic Stadium.

Benitez has Harry Kewell on standby for the left-wing role, the Australian having made just two substitute appearances this season after groin operations, but having also come through training unscathed.

The exact composition of Benitez's side will remain a secret from the Italians until nearer kick-off, but Liverpool could well play Steven Gerrard as a support striker, behind Dirk Kuyt, as part of a five-man midfield to counter Milan's similar system.

That means Benitez could well play Zenden on the left and Jermaine Pennant on the right, with Xabi Alonso, Gerrard and Javier Mascherano in the middle.

Benitez will have his accepted first-choice back line of Steve Finnan, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and John Arne Riise to protect Jose Reina.

The Spanish goalkeeper will join a select band of just three father and sons who have appeared in European Cup finals.

Miguel Sanchez and his son, also called Miguel, achieved that feat for Real Madrid, as did Cesare and Paolo Maldini for Milan, and now Miguel and Jose Reina, for Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.

Team from: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise, Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Zenden, Kuyt, Kewell, Crouch, Dudek, Arbeloa, Gonzalez, Bellamy, Sissoko, Zenden, Hyypia, Fowler, Paletta, Padelli.

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