NEWS ROUND-UP:LIVERPOOL WINGER Albert Riera has been suspended by the club for his outspoken attack on manager Rafael Benitez and the club. The Spain international has been disciplined by Benitez and told not to return to the Merseysiders' Melwood training ground until Monday.
Riera launched a critical broadside at Benitez, claiming he did not speak to him, and described Liverpool as a “sinking ship”.
Benitez is believed to be fuming about the timing of the interview, which was broadcast less than 24 hours before last night’s crucial Europa League last-16 second leg at home to Lille, and has taken swift action to discipline the player.
The suspension means Riera, who came on as a substitute in Lille last week but was not on the bench for Monday’s Premier League victory over Portsmouth, misses the Europa League second leg tie and also Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.
In his interview, Riera told Radio Marca: “When the coach says nothing to you and you are well, with no physical problems and training well, you cannot help but think it must be something personal.”
He also went on to say he felt Liverpool were a “sinking ship” after a poor season which has seen early exits from the title race, Champions League and FA Cup.
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been boosted by the likely return to his team against West Ham tomorrow of captain, Cesc Fabregas, and two other midfielders, Tomas Rosicky and Alex Song.
Fabregas has missed the last two matches against Porto and Hull City with hamstring trouble while Rosicky has had a groin problem. Song has been serving a two-match suspension.
“Cesc and Tomas should be available for Saturday,” Wenger said. “From the last game, we don’t lose anybody. So normally we should have Fabregas, Carlos Vela and Rosicky back. Plus, of course, we have Song coming back from suspension.”
Elsewhere, English Championship side Crystal Palace have been given a major fillip after Paddy McCarthy (26) came through a reserve match last night.
The Republic of Ireland B international centre-half has been sidelined since November with a recurrence of his long-standing shoulder injury which eventually required surgery. But the Dubliner got an hour under his belt – his first match action since suffering the injury – as Palace’s second string lost 3-1 at QPR.
