Hamann set for Reds recall

Liverpool expect to have Dietmar Hamann available to face his former club Newcastle at Anfield on Boxing Day.

Hamann, who is about to trigger a clause in his contract that gives him another year at Anfield because of the amount of games he has played this season, missed the World Club Championship games in Japan with a knee problem.

But he is responding to treatment and is expected to play in central midfield, with Mohamed Sissoko suspended.

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