Benitez set to return despite more surgery
Benitez has now had two operations on his kidney stones
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Tuesday, 23, Dec 2008 10:42
Liverpool expect to have manager Rafa Benitez back in the dugout for the Boxing Day clash with Bolton despite the Spaniard undergoing a second operation on his kidney stones.
Benitez watched last weekend's draw with Arsenal on television from his home on Merseyside after initial surgery on his problem, but are confident he can return for Friday's visit of Bolton.
"Rafa has undergone a second minor operation which went well," a club spokesman said.
"He's feeling a little better and is hoping to be back for the game against Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day."
Assistant manager Sammy Lee, who took the team in Benitez's absence at the Emirates, is delighted with the club's league position which sees them go into Christmas top of the Premier League.
"We've improved," Lee said. "We are in a better position than we were last year."
"The race is closer because we have come from something like fifth last year to first. Okay. Nothing is won by the end of December, but you can certainly lose a lot by not being in the chase.
"We are top. We would like to stay there. We know it is going to be very difficult but every single one of these lads is working hard to make sure we maintain that position.
"If you'd said at the start of the season that we'd be top of the league at Christmas I think we'd have all been pleased with that."