Torres out for Liverpool clash with Villa

Striker Fernando Torres is the notable absentee as Liverpool host Aston Villa in the Premier League.

The Spain international was given compassionate leave after his pregnant wife Olalla went into labour with their second child.

With captain Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher also missing with injury, it left Roy Hodgson’s side lacking in big names.

Ryan Babel, who impressed in Thursday’s Europa League draw against Steaua Bucharest, took the vacant striker’s role alongside David Ngog with Sotirios Kyrgiakos coming into central defence as the only two changes to the side which lost at Tottenham eight days ago.

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier’s first competitive return to his former club saw him make two changes to the team which lost to Birmingham in the Carling Cup last week.

Stephen Ireland and Marc Albrighton replaced the suspended Ashley Young and injured Barry Bannan.