Alonso returns for Reds

Xabi Alonso returns to the Liverpool squad for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash against Benfica.

The Spanish midfielder missed the FA Cup victory over Manchester United with a thigh injury, but boss Rafael Benitez confirmed he would return for the trip to face Portugal’s two-time former European champions.

Robbie Fowler could make his maiden Champions League appearance, and may start, but there is a doubt over defender Daniel Agger, who suffered a leg injury in the reserves last week, and Jan Kromkamp is cup-tied.

Provisional squad: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Traore, Warnock, Luis Garcia, Alonso, Sissoko, Hamann, Gerrard, Kewell, Fowler, Crouch, Morientes, Cisse, Dudek, Carson, Agger.