Defensive headache for Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has a big defensive headache ahead of his side’s FA Cup fifth round clash with Barnsley at Anfield tomorrow after Martin Skrtel was ruled out with a calf injury.

Benitez is still without metatarsal victim Daniel Agger and must decide whether to risk fellow defender Sami Hyypia with one eye on next week’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan.

Fernando Torres is fit again after a hamstring injury but is expected to be rested, while Fabio Aurelio and Alvaro Arbeloa are available after recovering from thigh and stomach injuries respectively.

Team (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Arbeloa, Pennant, Mascherano, Gerrard, Babel, Benayoun, Kewell, Lucas, Torres, Crouch, Kuyt, San Jose, Itandje.