Alonso back for Reds

Champions League finalists Liverpool will have midfielder Xabi Alonso back in their squad for Sunday’s trip to face Arsenal, the Spanish international having been suspended for the dramatic victory over Chelsea in midweek.

Boss Rafael Benitez will also have Fernando Morientes and Mauricio Pellegrino available, the pair having been ineligible for the semi-final triumph over the new Premier League champions on Tuesday.

The need to maintain their challenge for fourth spot could well see Benitez opting not to rotate his side as much as in recent weeks, although he may consider resting Dietmar Hamann and Harry Kewell, who have made returns to action of late following long term injures, while giving Djibril Cisse a starting role.

Benitez still has Josemi out injured, as well as the long term absentees Chris Kirkland, Neil Mellor and Florent Sinama-Pongolle.

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