Kewell Back… But Does it Matter?
Sports media in both Australia and Europe are reporting Harry Kewell will return to the Liverpool squad for the Champion’s League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow. But is it too little too late for the Australian?
Since moving to Anfield in 2003, Harry Kewell has had highs and lows. His first season at Merseyside was impressive, but not brilliant. The second has been shrouded by injury and malaise - Kewell has only scored once in 25 appearances (compared to 11 goals in 49 appearances in the previous season).
This is hardly going to make Jose Mourinho worried, or any other Chelsea players for that matter. Rafael Benitez himself is talking up Kewell’s return as a possible life-line, an attitude that contrasts the spat between player and coach earlier this year over Kewell’s fitness and commitment.
The return of Kewell and striker Djibril Cisse in theory only adds two toothless lions to Liverpool’s squad - neither have played a full game for months. Furthermore, on paper, Liverpool’s recent record against Chelsea is not good - three losses including the 2-3 defeat in the Carling Cup final.
But this is the Champion’s League, and their success in Europe is a shining example of their Jekyll and Hyde nature this season. Faced with losing their Champion’s League spot next season (due to Liverpudlian arch rival Everton’s brilliant success in the Premier League - a bitter pill to swallow), Liverpool will have to pull something extraordinary off against Chelsea.
With Kewell returning from the wilderness, he is arguably at a serious crossroad in his career. If he fades on pitch against Chelsea, he might fade away from Anfield. However, if he can shine, he could rekindle the impressive reputation he earned at previous club Leeds.
Tomorrow at Stamford it could be all or nothing for both Harry Kewell and Liverpool.