Gerrard has an injured neck and will not be risked ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at home to Chelsea, while Arbeloa has picked up a thigh strain.

Boss Rafael Benitez could also rest other front-line stars, with striker Fernando Torres also a possible absentee.

Daniel Agger and Harry Kewell are long-term absentees, while Jermaine Pennant is fit to return and Javier Mascherano has now completed his three-match ban.

Provisional squad: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Alonso, Mascherano, Lucas, Plessis, Insua, Voronin, Crouch, Kuyt, Torres, Itandje, Arbeloa, Gerrard, Pennant.