Carroll could face United

Liverpool’s club-record signing Andy Carroll could be set for his debut against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.

The 22-year-old, who completed a £35m move from Newcastle on deadline day, has been edging nearer to full fitness from a thigh injury which has sidelined him since late December and is finally close to inclusion in the squad.

Defenders Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio (both thigh) are set to return after missing last weekend’s defeat at West Ham, while midfielder Raul Meireles is expected to be fit after coming off at Upton Park with a minor knee problem.

Full-back Martin Kelly has been ruled out for a month with a hamstring tear so manager Kenny Dalglish is likely to switch Glen Johnson back to the right side of defence.

Provisional squad: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Skrtel, Aurelio, Lucas, Gerrard, Kuyt, Meireles, Rodriguez, Suarez, Gulacsi, Wilson, Poulsen, Cole, Carroll, Ngog, Spearing.