ALONSO FITNESS RACE HOTS UP

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Xabi Alonso admits his chances of featuring in the Merseyside derby remain 50-50 as he continues his recovery from a metatarsal injury.

The Spaniard is now out of the gym and on to the training pitch ahead of one of the biggest weeks of the season.
  
"I am progressing," Alonso told Liverpoolfc.tv. "In the last few days I have started running on the pitch, which is good news because I've been spending a lot of time in the gym.
  
"It's always a relief to get back exercising on the pitch and at the moment it's looking good, but I don't know if I will be fit enough to be ready for the derby.
  
"The fact it's the derby doesn't make me more determined - I'm always determined to recover as quickly as possible. I want to be back as soon as possible but I have to respect my foot. I have to see how it feels."
  
The midfielder, who has not featured since Pompey on September 15, could return against Besiktas or Arsenal if Saturday comes too soon.