Harry Kewell's return from injury has handed Rafa Benitez one of the toughest decisions of his managerial career. The 29-year-old  Australian is physically fit but has had so little playing time this season that he would not normally warrant a start in a game of the magnitude of the Champions League Final. But he has become a contender for a starting berth for two reasons - one being that he has been in impressive form since his comeback.

Against Charlton, Kewell turned the game when he came on, setting up Xabi Alonso`s goal, coming close to scoring himself when he hit the post and rounding off his day by scoring from the spot. But the more compelling reason for him starting in Istanbul is that the other options are Bolo Zenden or Mark Gonzalez. John Arne Riise could play there but he is really the only natural left-back we have and seems to be more of a threat when he runs from deep and has another attacking player on the wing to play off. So I think that, as in the Chelsea game, Rafa will keep Riise in his natural position.

Zenden and Gonzalez should not start. Zenden is simply not up to this standard of football - and the first leg against Chelsea showed how bad he actually is. He had more attacking opportunities than anyone on the pitch but wasted one after another and seemed content just to win corners.

'Kewell has had an injury-plagued time at Liverpool and the club and fans have never seen the best of him. It is easy to forget how good he actually is'


Gonzalez's ability is still unknown. Considering all the hype that surrounded his arrival at Anfield, he has been a disappointment this year - but he deserves one more season. He is still young and has shown glimpses of the player we had hoped he would be.

So, as impossible as is seemed even two weeks ago, Kewell has given himself a chance to turn a total nightmare of a season into a fairytale ending. He has had an injury-plagued time at Liverpool and the club and fans have never seen the best of him. It is easy to forget how good Kewell actually is. A lot of people expect him to leave Anfield this summer, but I hope that, as with Gonzalez, Rafa gives him one more season to see what an injury free Harry Kewell can offer Liverpool.

Beinitez played Zenden in the two Chelsea legs so we must assume he is once again the favourite to start in Athens. But it was clear to see in the Charlton game, where the Dutchman started and was replaced by Kewell, that even a match-unfit Kewell is a much better player than a fully-fit Zenden.

Benitez has already hinted that Kewell has a chance of starting by saying that he may be able to last an hour or so. But, as always with Rafa's team selection, we would be surprised not to be surprised.

Would it be a good idea to start with Kewell against AC Milan? Leave a comment below or write an article if you prefer.