Stephane Henchoz Hopes To Be Fit For Weekend

By David Anderson
August 23 2002

After picking up a groin strain midweek playing for Switzerland, Stephane Henchoz hopes to be fit for the home encounter with Southampton.

After picking up a groin strain midweek playing for Switzerland, Stephane Henchoz hopes to be fit for the home encounter with Southampton.

Also missing tomorrow will be German midfielder Dietmar Hamann who was also forced out against Aston Villa last weekend. He picked up a knee injury and is still doubtfull.

Gerrard Houlier also faces a tough test on a squad selection. With Emile Heskey, Michael Owen and El Hadji Diouf all available, he must pick which two start. Salif Diao is also a player who impressed in the reserve match and is aiming for his debut.

After his penalty miss against Villa, Michael Owen will still remain "The Pool" penalty taker. Houlier said,"I told Michael not to worry, I said to him that he always scores the important goals and he mustn't worry about missing penalties."

"Had it not been for a great display by their goalkeeper he would have had a hat-trick, but Michael never lets his head drop and just keeps playing the way he always does. I have no worries about him."