Gerrard and Agger back for Blackpool test

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will return from a six-week absence for the St Stephen's Day match against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

The 30-year-old midfielder’s comeback from a hamstring tear sustained on England duty was delayed at the weekend after snow forced the postponement of the Barclays Premier League game at home to Fulham.

Centre-back Daniel Agger has also finally recovered from a complicated calf problem which has sidelined him since September 25.

Provisional squad: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Konchesky, Kuyt, Meireles, Lucas, Rodriguez, Gerrard, Torres, Jones, Kelly, Aurelio, Poulsen, Cole, Ngog, Babel, Agger, Shelvey.