Aqua and Torres could start

Fernando Torres and Alberto Aquilani could both start against Arsenal this weekend, Rafa Benitez today confirmed.

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The boss will make late decisions on whether the pair are ready to begin the clash with Arsene Wenger's men  after injury lay-offs.

Aquilani came through 75 minutes against Fiorentina on Wednesday after eight months out, while Torres was given 25 minutes following a groin problem.

Benitez said: "It was important for us to have Fernando back in midweek. We wanted to give him some minutes. He was quite sharp and felt okay after the game.

"We know he's a player who can make a difference, so we will decide in the next training session on Saturday.

"He has been working with the physios and training very hard."

On Aquilani, the boss added: "We always try to decide on the day because we want to see how the player trains first, but why not? We have to keep working and we will decide after Saturday's training session.

"Aquilani showed the quality he has against Fiorentina. The match fitness still has to improve but in terms of his vision, his passing was very good. We will see.

"He is a different type of player to what we have at this moment and we have to keep working with him."

Nabil El Zhar, Albert Riera and Martin Kelly are all out of Sunday's fixture.

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