Gerrard expected to return

Rafael Benitez expects Steven Gerrard to return to lead the Liverpool side in their Premiership home clash with Tottenham.

The Reds skipper had a groin injury and missed the Champions League quarter-final win against Juventus on Wednesday, but he is expected to be back as his side look to put pressure back on fourth-placed Everton.

“When we got back Stevie wanted to shake everyone’s hand and he now says he is really looking forward to the semi-final with Chelsea,” said Reds boss Benitez.

“He was delighted for all of us and has trained okay since we returned.”

Xabi Alonso and Djibril Cisse – who both returned in Turin after long-term injuries – are also available.

Fernando Morientes and Mauricio Pellegrino were cup-tied against Juve and return to the squad. Dietmar Hamman, Josemi, Chris Kirkland, Harry Kewell and Florent Sinama-Pongolle are all still out injured.

Provisional squad: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Pellegrino, Hyypia, Traore, Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Alonso, Biscan, Riise, Warnock, Cisse, Baros, Morientes, Carson, Nunez, Le Tallec, Smicer, Welsh.