Alonso in line for Liverpool return

Liverpool are hoping to have midfielder Xabi Alonso back for their Barclays Premier League home clash with leaders Arsenal on Sunday.

Manager Rafael Benitez also expects Fernando Torres to be available, the Spain international having been close to fitness for the midweek trip to Istanbul where Liverpool suffered their shock Champions League defeat to Besiktas.

Central defender Daniel Agger is still a minimum of 10 days away from being available following a broken metatarsal, while full-back Alvaro Arbeloa is fighting to recover from a thigh injury.

Harry Kewell scored in the reserves’ 2-1 win over Newcastle on Thursday in his comeback from groin problems. He was replaced at half-time.

Squad (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Arbeloa, Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Babel, Benayoun, Crouch, Kuyt, Torres, Voronin, Itandje, Lucas, Hobbs.