Owen in contention for Stoke

Stoke striker Michael Owen could make his first-team comeback against his old club when Liverpool visit the Britannia Stadium on St Stephen's Day.

Owen, who has not played for the Potters since October 27 due a hamstring problem, has been working on his fitness and may be ready to feature in the 7.45pm Barclays Premier League kick-off.

It remains to be seen whether or not another former Red, midfielder Charlie Adam, will be involved after he missed Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Tottenham having been granted compassionate leave following the death of his father.

Provisional squad: Begovic, Sorensen, Huth, Shawcross, Cameron, Upson, Wilkinson, Whelan, Etherington, Palacios, Jones, Jerome, Crouch, Walters, Kightly, Edu, Nzonzi, Ness, Whitehead, Shotton, Owen.