He was their captain during that time so it seems unlikely. I don't know much about him but he does have a reputation for being injury prone. Last season can be discounted if he did indeed miss all those games because of a fallout with Houllier. Still, it doesn't make for good reading.
I'm happy enough to see a defender coming in, moreso someone of his calibre, but worried about his injuries which will surely not get better with age.
It's ok man, with our crack medical outfit he'll be fighting fit before you know it.......