Liverpool (Evs – Top 6 Premier League Finish) have announced that Jamie Carragher has committed his future to the club, penning a new two-year deal at Anfield.
The 32-year-old was due to run out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season, putting into his doubt his run as a one-club man.
Carragher has made 641 appearances for the Reds, after making his debut back in January 1997, and always stated that he wanted to finish his career at Liverpool (10/1 – 2010-11 Europa League outright).
There were some doubts, under Rafa Benitez, last season as to whether the former England international would be offered a new deal.
But Roy Hodgson has always made it clear that he wants to keep the defender and Carragher has been more than happy to commit to the club.
The Bootle-born star has been a massive influence, winning 10 major honours during 15 years with the club, and now looks likely to see out his playing career with Liverpool.
After a week of court battles, Carragher’s new deal is the latest bit of good news for the Reds as they prepare for the Merseyside derby this weekend.
Fernando Torres (18/1 Premier League Top Scorer 2010-11) has been passed fit to start Sunday’s Premier League clash against Everton at Goodison Park, having recovered from an abductor muscle injury.
The Spanish international was forced to sit out his country’s Euro 2012 qualifiers against Lithuania and Scotland, but has returned to training this week.
Hodgson told the club’s website: “We see a livelier and a better Fernando every day. It was really unfortunate he got that injury against Blackpool but luckily it came in the international break.”
Liverpool could also have two defenders, Paul Konchesky and Fabio Aurelio, back in the squad for the short trip across Stanley Park (Everton 6/4, draw 11/5, Liverpool 17/10 – Match Betting).
Koncheskey missed the 2-1 defeat to Blackpool, while Aurelio is yet to feature this season having returned to the club in the summer.
Both left backs are under consideration though, and one is expected to start against Everton, with Daniel Agger a doubt with a back injury.
Liverpool will be without Dirk Kuyt for Sunday’s Merseyside derby, after the Dutch ace was ruled out for a month with an ankle injury picked up on international duty.
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.