Curse of the metatarsal hits Liverpool

Liverpool will be without defender Daniel Agger and midfielder Xabi Alonso for tomorrow’s home game with Birmingham – both out for six weeks with metatarsal injuries.

But boss Rafael Benitez will have defender John Arne Riise returning to the squad after the Norwegian missed two games with a back problem.

Benitez also has full-back Fabio Aurelio available after recovering from an Achilles problem, the Brazilian coming on as substitute in the 1-1 Champions League draw in Porto for his first senior action of the season.

Provisional squad: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Arbeloa, Aurelio, Riise, Pennant, Gerrard, Sissoko, Mascherano, Benayoun, Babel, Kuyt, Crouch, Voronin, Torres, Itandje.