Fabio Aurelio hopes our absence from European football could help him stay fit and answer Liverpool's left-back conundrum this season.

The Brazilian is one of the most technically gifted defenders in the country but injuries have restricted him to 131 appearances in five years at Anfield.

A calf problem kept Aurelio in the treatment room for much of our pre-season programme but he returned during the 2-0 win over Valencia on Saturday.

Afterwards he told Liverpoolfc.tv: "My problem has been the injuries and I'm aware of that but I still believe I can be better than in the past and more available.

"This season we have our games mostly once a week so it could be a good season for me to have a run of games and fill that gap.

"I had an injury to my calf at the beginning of pre-season so I've been working in the gym and on the bike. I have been involved with the team in the last week.

"I'm very pleased to have time on the pitch, especially because I felt very well. It was a good test after just one week with the team. Physically I didn't feel behind the others."

Aurelio enjoyed an instant footballing camaraderie with new boy Stewart Downing down Liverpool's left at Anfield.

The 31-year-old thinks our new No.19 is exactly the kind of player we needed to buy this summer.

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"It was the first time we've been together on the pitch and we coped well - there were good signs for the future," said Aurelio.

"We needed players like him with pace on the wing. Especially because of his pace and technique, I think he'll be a very good addition for us."

Watch our exclusive chat with Fabio

With our pre-season fixtures complete, Aurelio and co will now put the finishing touches to their preparations for 2011-12 before taking on Sunderland at Anfield next Saturday.

Our cultured full-back thinks getting back into the Champions League has to be the goal this term.

"The first target is getting in the Champions League and once we get that, then we can look for more," he said.

"The mood among the players is excitement. I think everyone is anxious to start the season. Everyone is expecting a lot from us with the signings but we have to look at the long-term as well - a few new players have arrived and they'll need time to settle in.

"Some of them already feel good in the red shirt so hopefully we can do well from the start of the season."