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Kewell to end injury nightmare
by Mark Kendall -  created on 25 Jun 2005


LiverpoolHarry Kewell has spoken of his injury nightmare since joining Liverpool but believes he is now finally ready to produce his best form.

The Australian forward has been plagued by a series of ailments that have prevented him from demonstrating his undoubted ability since switching to Anfield in the summer of 2003.

Last season especially was decimated by injury with Kewell suffering from ankle, groin, Achilles tendon and back problems.

Indeed, the groin injury forced him out of the UEFA Champions League final against Milan after just 20 minutes and provoked widespread, if rather unjustified, criticism of the 26-year-old.

Kewell admits the condemnation has hurt but insists he has not yet had the chance to prove his true worth to Reds fans.

"It hasn't been a nice time in football for me," he told The Times.

"I've been criticised, but I know the truth.

"The boss (Benitez) knew right from the start of the season that I had an injury and every time I played, he was taking a chance with me and that I was putting my body on the line because, at any given time, it could snap.

"That's what happened in the final.

"It was the biggest game of my life and the injury wasn't on my mind, but when I stretched and felt it snap, I knew right away that I couldn't go on.

"Yes, I could have limped around as the eleventh man, but that would have harmed the team.

"Everyone in sport knows that if you can't play on, the best thing for the team is to get off the pitch."

However, following groin surgery, the former Leeds star is confident of being fully fit to start next term and will be reporting back for pre-season on time.

"I can't wait," he continued.

"I know Liverpool's fans haven't seen the best of me, but now I can start looking to the future and put everything else behind me."