Hamann set to miss out

Dietmar Hamann is expected to be sidelined for up to a fortnight as he struggles to shake off a shin injury.

Hamann played through the pain barrier against Sunderland but will miss Liverpool’s Worthington Cup quarter-final against Aston Villa tomorrow and probably the weekend’s Merseyside derby.

Emile Heskey has fully recovered from the ankle injury which ruled him out against Charlton.

Boss Gerard Houllier has named his strongest available squad for the clash with Villa as he aims to get his side’s season back on track.

Probable squad: Kirkland, Babbel, Hyypia, Henchoz, Carragher, Murphy, Gerrard, Riise, Owen, Heskey, Baros, Diouf, Diao, Smicer, Traore, Dudek, Biscan