Gerrard expected to miss Sparta match

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is unlikely to return to action in tomorrow’s Europa League last-32 second-leg clash against Sparta Prague.

Gerrard has missed the last two games with a groin injury and, although not ruled out of the Czechs’ visit to Anfield, is more likely to return in the weekend trip to West Ham.

Defender Daniel Agger (adductor) and midfielder Jay Spearing (foot) are both back in contention but full-back Fabio Aurelio (adductor) and striker Luis Suarez (ineligible) are out.

Martin Kelly and Martin Skrtel could return after being left out of the starting line-up for the first leg last week but manager Kenny Dalglish has downplayed suggestions new signing Andy Carroll’s debut is imminent.

The striker is making good progress in his recovery from a thigh problem but no target date for him to play has yet been earmarked.

Team (from): Reina, Kyrgiakos, Carragher, Wilson, Agger, Skrtel, Kelly, Johnson, Rodriguez, Meireles, Lucas, Gerrard, Cole, Spearing, Kuyt, Ngog, Pacheco, Jovanovic, Poulsen, Gulacsi.