Liverpool fans will soon see their new £20million recruit, Alberto Aquilani, in action after Rafa Benitez confirmed the Italian midfielder could return to training in 'two or three weeks'.

The 25-year-old, who arrived at Anfield from Roma at the beginning of August, has been sidelined since March with an ankle injury he suffered during the Giallorossi's UEFA Champions League second round tie against Arsenal.

The midfield maestro has been working hard in the gym and the swimming pool at the club's Melwood training complex as he continues his rehabilitation.

"Aquilani has improved, he has progressed in the way that we expected and now maybe in two or three weeks we will see him training," Benitez confirmed

The Reds' faithful are eagerly-anticipating Aquilani's return to fitness as they look for him to fill Xabi Alonso's considerably large boots following his £30million switch to Real Madrid.

The much maligned (and rightfully so) Lucas Leiva is currently operating alongside Javier Mascherano in the centre of a midfield which has already been ripped apart by Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa so far this season.

As a result many are now questioning whether Liverpool can indeed end 20 years of hurt by claiming the league title this season.

The reality behind this theory could rest upon Aquilani's ability to emulate Alonso's sublime range of passing and creativity.