RAFA BENITEZ should be back and barking out his orders in the dugout as Liverpool look to stay on top of the Premier League when they host Bolton tomorrow.
And the Reds’ title push should be given another huge heave with the news that star striker Fernando Torres is close to a return to action.
Boss Benitez missed last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Arsenal while he recovered from a kidney stones operation. But he is expected to be back on the bench for the Boxing Day visit of Gary Megson’s side.
Benitez’s assistant Sammy Lee led the team with coach Mauricio Pellegrino in their boss’ absence at Arsenal.
But he is hoping Rafa’s imminent return can provide the perfect boost for Liverpool to finish the year on a high.
“Rafa is a lot better, he’s on the mend. He has been in a lot of pain but he is improving,” Lee said.
“His presence is always missed, but the organisation he has put in place is such that even though he has not been here this week, the battle plan is still there.
“We know what we have to do, it is business as usual.
“He is missed and hopefully he will be back with us for the Bolton game.”
Lee admitted that, unlike some managers, Benitez is crucial to all aspects of the team, from training to the match day, and having him back in action can only help boost Liverpool’s bid for a first league title since 1990.
“He is a hands-on manager, it is hurting him more being away from the training ground really, but he will be back soon,” Lee added.
Meanwhile, Lee hinted Spanish sharpshooter Torres, who has missed five matches, with a hamstring injury, could play some part tomorrow.
He said: “Fernando’s progress has improved. He is getting better and he has worked very hard.
“We will put him in when we see fit. That’s not evasive, but I don’t want to start revealing our line-up.”
Liverpool go into the first of their Christmas fixtures protecting an unbeaten home league record in 2008.
It is the first time they have been top at this stage since 1996, and two wins in three days, against Bolton and then Newcastle on Sunday, will give them their best points tally in a calendar year for 19 years.
And tough taskmaster Lee revealed Liverpool’s players will not have the chance to indulge too much in the festive fun as they look to end hunt for a Premier League title.
“The lads will be in training on Christmas Day, we have two very important games in three days coming up and they are very professional and accept that they have to have their Christmas at a different time to everyone else,” Lee added.
“They know the job in hand, they know what preparation is needed to stay at the top of the Premier League.”
And the Reds’ title push should be given another huge heave with the news that star striker Fernando Torres is close to a return to action.
Boss Benitez missed last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Arsenal while he recovered from a kidney stones operation. But he is expected to be back on the bench for the Boxing Day visit of Gary Megson’s side.
Benitez’s assistant Sammy Lee led the team with coach Mauricio Pellegrino in their boss’ absence at Arsenal.
But he is hoping Rafa’s imminent return can provide the perfect boost for Liverpool to finish the year on a high.
“Rafa is a lot better, he’s on the mend. He has been in a lot of pain but he is improving,” Lee said.
“His presence is always missed, but the organisation he has put in place is such that even though he has not been here this week, the battle plan is still there.
“We know what we have to do, it is business as usual.
“He is missed and hopefully he will be back with us for the Bolton game.”
Lee admitted that, unlike some managers, Benitez is crucial to all aspects of the team, from training to the match day, and having him back in action can only help boost Liverpool’s bid for a first league title since 1990.
“He is a hands-on manager, it is hurting him more being away from the training ground really, but he will be back soon,” Lee added.
Meanwhile, Lee hinted Spanish sharpshooter Torres, who has missed five matches, with a hamstring injury, could play some part tomorrow.
He said: “Fernando’s progress has improved. He is getting better and he has worked very hard.
“We will put him in when we see fit. That’s not evasive, but I don’t want to start revealing our line-up.”
Liverpool go into the first of their Christmas fixtures protecting an unbeaten home league record in 2008.
It is the first time they have been top at this stage since 1996, and two wins in three days, against Bolton and then Newcastle on Sunday, will give them their best points tally in a calendar year for 19 years.
And tough taskmaster Lee revealed Liverpool’s players will not have the chance to indulge too much in the festive fun as they look to end hunt for a Premier League title.
“The lads will be in training on Christmas Day, we have two very important games in three days coming up and they are very professional and accept that they have to have their Christmas at a different time to everyone else,” Lee added.
“They know the job in hand, they know what preparation is needed to stay at the top of the Premier League.”
