ALVARO ARBELOA is losing his battle to be fit for Liverpool’s trip to Stoke City at the weekend.

The Spanish right back has returned to training at Melwood after suffering a hamstring injury in the build up to the Boxing Day victory over Bolton but the visit to the Potteries is likely to come too soon for him.

Jamie Carragher has filled in at right back in Arbeloa’s absence and is set to continue to do so until the Spain international is ready to make his comeback.

Arbeloa is looking forward to his return and is in no doubt that Liverpool have what it takes to challenge for football’s biggest prizes this season.

And the 25-year-old believes that despite leading the Premier League by three points, there is still a great deal more to come from the Reds during the rest of this season.

“We have everything you need to win trophies,” he said.

“A good manager, great supporters and a belief in our ability.

“We have proved that with the way we have rescued so many games already this season.

“Everyone is willing to fight and go the distance for one another.

“We have a really good team and I don’t think we have yet shown the world our best form this season.

“We are playing well but we are playing to 80% of our potential. Soon we will hit top gear.”

Arbeloa could be joined on the sidelines at the Britannia Stadium by compatriot Xabi Alonso who had seven stitches put into a foot wound sustained in the 2-0 win at Preston on Saturday.

Though the damage to his foot is not serious, Alonso has been unable to train since picking up the injury and will not be risked at Stoke unless he is totally fit.

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard has been named the PFA fans player of the month for December.

The Liverpool captain was in outstanding form in the last month of 2008 and he ended the year with a magnificent two-goal display at Newcastle.

source: Liverpooldailypost.co.uk