CHILD’S PLAY TURNS SERIOUS FOR AURELIO

Brazilian left-back Aurelio, 29, is now facing the prospect of surgery and several months on the sidelines in a move that could impact upon the future of Andrea Dossena.

Aurelio’s spell at Anfield has been scarred by a succession of injury problems.

Defender Aurelio, who is entering the final year of his contract, is understood to have twisted a knee playing with son, Fabio jnr, and daughter Victoria.

The latest setback is a blow for manager Rafa Benitez who must now evaluate whether he can afford to lose Dossena, who has been courted by Juventus.

Italy international Dossena and Argentinian Emiliano Insua are the only other recognised left-backs at Anfield.

Liverpool’s bankers, Royal Bank of Scotland, have attempted to ease fears about the club’s future by sending an email to supporters groups stating Liverpool are “financially healthy and able to service comfortably its debt”.

American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks claim they are close to refinancing the £350million loan they took out to buy the club before a July 24 deadline even though their company, Kop Football Holdings, posted losses of £42.6m for the year to July 2008.

Glen Johnson completed his move from Portsmouth yesterday on a four-year deal.