Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso fears a repeat of his Cardiff nightmare as he prepares for a decision on his FA Cup final prospects.

Alonso was taken off on a stretcher with an ankle injury after 38 minutes of Sunday's 3-1 win at Portsmouth.

To the Spaniard's relief, a scan confirmed no serious damage, but Alonso has yet to resume training this week and the clock is ticking towards Saturday's showdown with West Ham at the Millennium Stadium.

Manager Rafael Benitez is hoping Alonso will be involved in training tomorrow, and if not, it is likely he will have to start preparing for the game without the 24-year-old.

Alonso, though, is confident he will face the Hammers as he does not want to miss out on another showpiece occasion through injury as happened last season with the Carling Cup final defeat to Chelsea.

"The ankle is getting better, although I'm not involved in training at the moment with the rest of the team," confirmed Alonso. "I've a few days to see if it improves. As for my chances, I don't know, but I feel confident that I will be fit.

"I hope so because it would be a nightmare not to be involved. I sat in the stands last season watching the Carling Cup final, so I don't want to repeat that experience. I want to be on the pitch, but I am prepared to wait a little bit, and at
least I have a chance."