Liverpool
striker Michael Owen may miss out against Real Madrid on Friday after
not training fully and Steven Gerrard will also not be risked.
Owen trained
on his own on Thursday night as the rest of the squad underwent
a lengthy training session at Real's training complex, although
Reds boss Gerard Houllier was keen to stress that there were no
injuries worries surrounding the England star.
"I am going to have to be cautious with one or two players,
especially the World Cup ones. I will give them a few free days,"
he said.
"The problem is not a physical one but more of a mental one.
It is nothing serious but I have to be wary about mental fatigue."
Gerrard, meanwhile, is still recovering from a thigh strain but
could be fit when the Reds play the second game of the Madrid tournament
on Sunday.
Owen's probable absence should mean a starting front two of Emile
Heskey - assuming he has recovered from his hamstring strain - and
El-Hadji Diouf, although Czech hotshot Milan Baros will be keen
to see some action after an outstanding pre-season campaign.
Midfielder Bruno Cheyrou will also be given another run-out after
a superb display against Lazio, while Djimi Traore could also feature
after being handed a massive vote of confidence by his manager on
Thursday.
Jari Litmanen and Vegard Heggem were the only absentees from the
squad which arrived in Spain on Thursday.
