Injured Aquilani a doubt for Reds

Midfielder Alberto Aquilani is a doubt for Sunday’s Barclays Premier League trip to Birmingham as he is struggling with an ankle problem.

The injury, similar to the one which he arrived on Merseyside with in the summer after his £17m transfer from Roma, ruled the Italy international out of the Europa League tie against Benfica.

Maxi Rodriguez is likely to return to the starting line-up having been ineligible in Europe but Martin Skrtel (foot) and Fabio Aurelio (thigh) are no nearer returning to fitness while Albert Riera remains frozen out after his row with manager Rafael Benitez.

Provisional squad: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Insua, Lucas, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard, Rodriguez, Torres, Babel, Ngog, Benayoun, Cavalieri, Kyrgiakos, Kelly, Degen, El Zhar, Pacheco.