The midfielder damaged an ankle in training last week in La Manga, and although he returned from Spain on crutches, he has trained since and boss Rafael Benitez will give him every chance to prove his fitness.

Benitez has Harry Kewell on stand-by for the left-wing berth.

The Australian has made just two substitute appearances this season after groin operations, but he is desperate to play having performed well in training.

Otherwise Benitez must chose two from three strikers - Peter Crouch, Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy -while he has plenty of midfield options.

But it seems likely that Steven Gerrard will play in the centre alongside Javier Mascherano, with the prospect of Jermaine Pennant on the right.

An alternative could see Liverpool's coach chose between Xabi Alonso and Mohamed Sissoko for the other midfield role.

It is expected that John Arne Riise will play at left-back, with Daniel Agger keeping out Sami Hyypia.

Liverpool provisional squad: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise, Pennant, Gerrard, Mascherano, Kewell, Kuyt, Crouch, Dudek, Arbeloa, Bellamy, Alonso, Sissoko, Zenden, Hyypia, Fowler, Paletta, Padelli.