Liverpool are scheduled to make the trip across the Stanley Park to take on Everton FC in a crunch Merseyside derby. Liverpool FC have some good news ahead of the trip, with star forward Christian Benteke close to making his return.
Liverpool go into the game with boss Brendan Rodgers under immense pressure, following just three wins in ten games in all competition this season.
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Liverpool are a point behind Everton and will go into the game with Captain Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, Dejan Lovren and long-term absentee Jon Flannagan out of the reckoning for a place in the starting XI with injuries.
Benteke, who picked up a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw against Norwich City, is going to be subjected to a late fitness test that will determine if he can be involved in the game or not.
As quoted by Liverpool’s official website, Rodgers said: a Wea re seeing how Christian Benteke is over the course of the next 24 hours. Apart from that, the squad will be pretty much the same as the Aston Villa game.a
Liverpool will have Daniel Sturridge back in the starting XI for sure after the striker was rested during the midweek clash against FC Sion in the Europa League.
Rodgers said: a Hea s been out for a real long time, hea s come back early through the work and the effort hea s put in and with so many games, we just have to make sure we look after him.
a Hea s still looking to get to full match fitness. Therea ll come a point where he will be available to play in all of the games, or certainly be available for them.
a Hea s fresh and fit and looking forward to the game this weekend.a
Besides, Philippe Coutinho, Martin Skrtel, Alberto Moreno, Mamadou Sakho, James Milner and Lucas Leiva are all expected to start after being allowed to rest in midweek.
Everton will be without the suspended Kevin Mirallas, while John Stones, though still doubtful, is expected to be fit in time for the game.