Benitez to play reserves in Carling Cup

Liverpool are likely to include several squad players and reserve captain Jack Hobbs in their team for the Carling Cup tie at Reading.

Winger Jermaine Pennant and midfielder Javier Mascherano picked up injuries during Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Birmingham and will not be involved.

But new French goalkeeper Charles Itandje and £5m Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva could also start the match.

Provisional squad: Itandje, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hobbs, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Benayoun, Sissoko, Lucas, Leto, Insua, Crouch, Torres, Babel, Finnan, El Zahr, Darby, Martin.