Anfield: Home of Liverpool(credit:
Vincent Teeuwen)
Andy Carroll may have to settle for a place on the bench as Liverpool look to overturn a one-goal deficit in the Europa League tie with Braga.
Record signing Carroll is yet to start for the Reds since recovering from a thigh injury, and he will have to wait a little longer with Reds boss Kenny Dalglish unwilling to rush the £35m capture.
The Scot told Liverpool’s official website: “The fitter he gets, the more tempting it will be (to start him).
“But when that day comes, or when it will be, we don't know.
“He's fit and well, but what we're going to do with him remains to be seen. We either start with him or he comes on in the second half - it's up to us to make that decision.”
Dalglish is definitely without the services of Luis Suarez (ineligible), meaning Dirk Kuyt will start up front, while captain Steven Gerrard is sidelined following his recent operation.
Jonjo Shelvey has not fully recovered from a knee problem and hamstring injuries have ruled out both Martin Kelly and Fabio Aurelio, but Daniel Agger could make his return from a knee injury.
Goalkeeper Pepe Reina is expected to make his 300th appearance for Liverpool his evening, while Jamie Carragher will make a club-record 45th appearance in the former UEFA Cup if he plays.