Defensive duo out for Liverpool

Liverpool will be without defenders Fabio Aurelio and Philipp Degen for the Merseyside derby at Everton in the Barclays Premier League.

Brazilian full-back Aurelio is still struggling with an ankle problem while Degen is out for three weeks after cracking ribs in Tuesday’s Carling Cup win over Crewe.

It means boss Rafael Benitez could give three players their derby debuts at Goodison Park – Robbie Keane, Andreas Dossena and Albert Riera – while he will also consider handing Daniel Agger a return after he scored in the defeat of Crewe.

Provisional squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Hyypia, Agger, Dossena, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Babel, Benayoun, Riera, Kuyt, Keane, Torres, Lucas, Cavalieri, El Zhar, Plessis, Ngog.