Lucas likely to return against Benfica

Midfielder Lucas Leiva is set to return to Liverpool’s starting line-up for tomorrow’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Benfica in Lisbon.

The Brazil international was an unused substitute for Sunday’s 3-0 win over Sunderland but with Maxi Rodriguez ineligible for Europe, manager Rafael Benitez has to make a change.

That is likely to see Dirk Kuyt moved back to the right side with Steven Gerrard playing a more advanced role behind striker Fernando Torres and Lucas filling the hole in central midfield.

Youngster Martin Kelly has joined fellow defenders Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio on the sidelines after injuring a knee in training.

Provisional squad: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Insua, Lucas, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard, Torres, Babel, Ngog, Benayoun, Aquilani, Cavalieri, Kyrgiakos, Spearing, Degen.