Well this is exactly what Rafa Benitez didn’t want to hear when his Spanish contingent walked in the door at Melwood yesterday. After discussing Xabi Alonso’s future with the club in a private showdown meeting, the goateed-one then took the time to talk with each player about their future as expected. What he didn’t expect was the bad news that one Spanish player would give him.

One player likely to leave Anfield in the near future, however, is [Alvaro] Arbeloa, who is understood to want a return to his homeland for personal reasons.

Liverpool should have no problems in cashing in on the defender, whose stock is at an all-time high following his part in helping Spain win the European Championships last month. (Liverpool Daily Post)

I don’t think anyone saw this coming. While the news comes as a total shock to Rafa and the club, supporters should rest easy knowing that Liverpool should get a great deal of money back on their investment. The Spanish right-back made a £2.6million move from Deportivo La Coruna in 2007, so if anything, the club should easily double the transfer fee. What doesn’t look good, however, is the hole at right-back that will need to be filled. Finnan and Degen should fill the role, but most know that Arbeloa looked to finally be coming into his own.

Are Liverpool supporters shocked to hear this news? Do you think Degen and Finnan give the club enough depth at the right-back spot?

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