Boss to risk Aquilani

Under-fire Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is pondering a start for Alberto Aquilani in the vital Champions League clash with Lyon.

The Reds have hardly seen anything of the summer's £20m capture due to a groin injury but he did make his long awaited debut against Arsenal in the Carling Cup before missing the defeat at Fulham with a virus.

With Liverpool so desperate for a positive result in France, Benitez is set to play the Italian at some point in the game although he may start with him on the bench.

He told the Post on Monday: "Aquilani trained today but was a little bit weak.

"Hopefully in two days' time he will be better.

"Gerrard won't travel to Lyon. He has no chance. He is improving but we have to wait. He has had an injection but we have to wait two or three days and see how he reacts."