Benitez won't consider Hamann

Dietmar Hamann will not be risked by Liverpool against Middlesbrough in the Barclays Premiership match at Anfield following the horror tackle by Chelsea’s Michael Essien in the midweek Champions League clash.

Midfielder Hamann missed training yesterday and has done light work since, but is still suffering pain from the heavy bruising to his leg and will be left out of the squad, alongside Bolo Zenden (knee) and Darren Potter (back).

Xabi Alonso is expected to return to the midfield following an ankle injury and Mohamed Sissoko is free of suspension.

Boss Rafael Benitez could give Djibril Cisse and Harry Kewell – who needed stitches in an ankle wound following the Chelsea game – starting places.

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