Sissoko set to return against Blackburn

Midfielder Mohamed Sissoko will be back in the firing line at Blackburn after being omitted from the PFA young footballer of the year nominations, to manager Rafa Benitez’ surprise.

The Mali international was held back from last weekend’s win over Bolton to avoid another booking before the FA’s amnesty kicked in earlier this week. Another yellow card would have meant a ban.

Benitez’s only injury problems involve young centre back Daniel Agger with a muscle strain, while Bolo Zenden will now be rested until pre-season training to allow him to complete a recovery from knee surgery.

Liverpool provisional squad: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Traore, Warnock, Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Sissoko, Hamann, Alonso, Kewell, Crouch, Fowler, Cisse, Morientes, Kromkamp, Dudek.