Liverpool to welcome back Reina
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is expected to return to the squad for their trip to Southampton, reports ESPN.
The 30-year-old stopper was absent from the Kop’s 3-2 Premier League win over Spurs on Sunday after suffering a calf injury in training, with Brad Jones deputizing between the sticks for the first time since the team’s disastrous FA Cup exit at the hands of Oldham at te end of January.
The Spanish stopper was in impressive form during the Reds’ 4-0 victory over Wigan at the beginning of the month, but failed a late fitness test after experiencing tightness in his calf before the game against Tottenham.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is hopeful that Reina will be able to return to the squad sooner rather than later, but also took the time to praise Jones for his professionalism during his unexpected performance on Sunday.
Rodgers said: “Big credit to Brad Jones, who came in at the last minute. He equipped himself terrifically. We'll see how Pepe is next week. It was disappointing because we thought he would probably make it against Tottenham.
"He had a tight calf in a fitness test on Sunday morning and unfortunately for him he didn't come through it. So I hope by next week he'll be fine.”
Reina arrived at Anfield in 2005, and has made 277 appearances for the club. There has been much speculation regarding his future recently, but has dismissed reports of an impending move to Barcelona as “mere speculation”.
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