Kuyt makes quick return for Reds

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt returned earlier than expected from a shoulder injury to take his place in the starting line-up for the visit of Sunderland to Anfield.

The Holland international replaced Maxi Rodriguez as the only change from the side which lost at Manchester United last Sunday.

Centre-back Titus Bramble, who was arrested by the police in midweek, kept his place in the Black Cats side as manager Steve Bruce made three alterations to the team which drew at home to Arsenal last weekend.

Captain Lee Cattermole returned from suspension while there were also recalls for Phil Bardsley and Michael Turner – his first appearance for a month – with Anton Ferdinand and Kieran Richardson (both injured) and Cristian Riveros missing out.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky, Poulsen, Gerrard, Kuyt, Meireles, Cole, Torres.

Subs: Jones, Agger, Jovanovic, Kyrgiakos, Maxi, Lucas, Ngog.

Sunderland: Mignolet, Onuoha, Turner, Bramble, Bardsley, Elmohamady, Henderson, Cattermole, Malbranque, Welbeck, Bent.

Subs: Gordon, Zenden, Da Silva, Riveros, Reid, Colback, Gyan.

Referee: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire)