Liverpool's gradual programme of bringing summer signing Alberto Aquilani to full fitness may be completed tonight (December 9th) if, as expected, he makes his first start for the club against Fiorentina.

The Italian - who was bought from AS Roma in the summer - has only made substitute appearances so far this season as he recovered following an ankle injury.

Manager Rafel Benitez has been handling the situation carefully, although too much so according to the player's father, who argued publicly that the playmaker has been fit to play for some time now.

Hi return will be of more importance for future occasions than tonight, with Liverpool sure to finish third in the group and miss the knockout stages of the tournament.

The game will also see Fernando Torres back in the squad, although any appearance he may make is expected to be from the bench as he battles back from a groin injury.

Aquilani played 102 Serie A games for AS Roma between 2002-03 and last season, scoring nine times.