Injury Update: Konchesky Fit For Romanian Killing

Liverpool defender Paul
Konchesky should be fit for
Thursday ’s clash with Steaua
Bucharest despite being
replaced against Birmingham
City on Sunday.
The former Fulham back was
substituted 78 minutes into his
Reds debut at St Andrews,
leaving the field as he felt some
tightness in his hamstring.
However, manager Roy Hodgson
– who was also Konchesky’s boss
at Fulham – said the decision
was taken as a precaution and
the player should be fine for the
Europa League visit of the
Romanian giants later this week.
"He hasn't played for a couple of
weeks and he started to feel his
hamstring a little bit so we took
him off as a precaution and put
Daniel Agger on," Hodgson said
on Liverpool ’s official website.
"I thought he did well in his first
game for us. He was very
competent and it bodes well for
the future."
The Reds played out a 0-0 draw
with the Blues on Sunday and
star striker Fernando Torres has
come in for some criticism for a
perceived meek showing in the
game, but Hodgson has been
quick to leap to the defence of
the World Cup winner.
He said: "Fernando came into the
centre on a few occasions and,
when he did that, he caused
havoc.
"You've got to give the back four
of Birmingham credit. They
worked very hard to contain him
and pressurise him.
"But he's looking fitter with every
game. I thought he looked
dangerous and became stronger
as the game went on.
"I think he is working hard for
the team. He is a constant thorn
in the side of defenders.
"We know he lacks match
training. He missed matches at
the end of last year and during
the World Cup but I'm not at all
concerned about Fernando
Torres. He will get better and
better."