Johnson back for Reds

Defender Glen Johnson is set to return to Liverpool’s squad for tomorrow’s short trip to Wigan.

The right-back missed Sunday’s win over Chelsea with a minor groin problem but has trained today and manager Roy Hodgson will have to decide whether to replace youngster Martin Kelly, who impressed against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Central defender Sotirios Krygiakos is absent with tonsilitis and Joe Cole is still sidelined by a hamstring injury but Fabio Aurelio is fit after a long lay-off, while Ryan Babel has recovered from bruised ribs but will be eased back in by Hodgson.

Provisional squad: Reina, Johnson, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky, Lucas, Gerrard, Meireles, Kuyt, Rodriguez, Torres, Ngog, Hansen, Aurelio, Poulsen, Spearing, Jovanovic, Babel.