Possible return for Torres

Fernando Torres could figure in Liverpool’s holiday programme, and may even be on the bench on Friday against Bolton at Anfield, having missed the last five games with a recurrence of a hamstring problem.

Javier Mascherano, who missed the draw at Arsenal last weekend through illness, is also available again while defender Martin Skrtel is close to a comeback after a serious knee injury.

Liverpool enter the Christmas period top of the league for the first time since 1996.

Two wins from the next two games will give them their best points total in a calendar year for 19 years, the last time they won the title.

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