Aquilani debut in offing

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Italian midfielder, a £20million summer signing to fill the gap in the Anfield squad left by Xabi Alonso, is finally allowed to kick a ball in training as his recovery from a knee operation continues.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez signed the Italy international, knowing he would not be able to play for a minimum of three months. But Aquilani started ball work with the first-team squad last week and has stepped up his training since then.

Benitez will carefully monitor the 25-year-old's progress and he will not be considered for the clash with Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday week.

Aquilani has not played a competitive game since Arsenal beat his old club Roma in the Champions League in March.

Liverpool reserves have a match against Sunderland at home next Wednesday, and he may get a short run-out then. But there is a possibility that he could be used at some point during the Carling Cup tie at Arsenal on October 28.

Aquilani said: "When I am back, I hope I will show I am a player who can pass the ball well, get forward and score goals.

"I have not played football for a long time, so I know it will not be easy to produce my best straightaway. But I will be trying to do that.

"When you are not involved with the team, it is not a good feeling. But it is my ambition to score at the Kop end. I have thought about that a lot during my rehab period."

Captain Steven Gerrard has had treatment on Wednesday on the groin injury that forced his return from England duty and he is due to have a scan on the problem. But Liverpool are confident he will be able to face Sunderland on Saturday.