Carragher set for Liverpool return

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is set to return against Unirea Urziceni in a Europa League tie at Anfield here on Thursday as injury problems start to ease for Reds manager Rafael Benitez.

Veteran defender Carragher was forced off with a groin problem during last Wednesday’s 1-0 loss away to Arsenal but has now been passed fit to play against Romanian side Unirea.

Meanwhile Israeli playmkaer Yossi Benayoun could feature on Thursday after being out for more than a month after breaking a rib in Liverpool’s FA Cup defeat by second tier Reading on January 13.

“Carra is training again and he will be available, which is very good news for us as he is an important player for us,” Benitez said Wednesday.

“Yossi is training with the team. He still has a problem with his rib but at least he is training,” the Spaniard added.

“We will decide about him on Thursday.”

Liverpool star striker Fernando Torres and full-back Glen Johnson won’t be fit to play against Unirea but Benitez said it would not be long before they were both fit following the respective knee injuries.

“Torres and Johnson are progressing and working with the fitness coach,” said Benitez. “They are very close but not available yet.”