Gerrard back for Reds v Fulham, Finnan out

Steven Gerrard will return to Liverpool’s squad for the match at Fulham after recovering from the shin injury picked up on international duty.

The England midfielder has taken part in training for the past two days and manager Rafael Benitez expects his captain to be in the starting line-up at Craven Cottage.

But Steve Finnan will not play against his former club, having picked up a groin injury in training prior to the Champions League victory against Anderlecht.

The Republic of Ireland full-back will be out of action for a week and will also miss the Carling Cup trip to Crystal Palace, but hopes to be back for next weekend’s home game with West Ham.

Provisional squad: Reina, Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Warnock, Luis Garcia, Hamann, Alonso, Gerrard, Riise, Crouch, Morientes, Cisse, Carson, Kewell, Sissoko, Sinama-Pongolle, Zenden.