Liverpool FC take on Arsenal FC, with injuries ruling out a number of key players.
Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure are in line to return to first team action alongside goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to ease the pressure on defence.
Mignolet Fit, Ward recalled
With reports emerging that Liverpool had recalled goalkeeper Danny Ward, it was clear that the Merseyside outfit were struggling in the defensive department, with rumours afloat that Simon Mignolet was injured.
However, Liverpool Echo reporter James Pearce cleared the air on that front, declaring Mignolet fit to play. The Telegraph also reported the same, with Liverpool fans heaving a sigh of relief at the prospect of the Belgian replacing the faltering Bogdan in goal.
Danny Ward has been recalled from loan at Aberdeen – but No 1 Simon Mignolet is fit for clash with Arsenal #LFC https://t.co/WlJLefsP2R
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) January 11, 2016
Sakho, Toure in line to return, Ilori back up
Klopp on CBs: "Situation better now. Kolo will be available. Mama wants to be available. Hopefully we can use him."
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) January 11, 2016
Tiago Ilori, who could not play a single game for Aston Villa during his torrid loan spell for the Premier League strugglers, is in line to make his debut if Mamadou Sakho misses the tie.
Ilori made his long awaited debut for the Merseysiders in the 2-2 draw against Exeter and will be hoping to continue in the XI. With Kolo Toure set to return to the XI, Mamadou Sakho could make way for the Portuguese, in case he does not pass a late fitness test on his knee injury.
.
Ilori could line up alongside Toure v Arsenal if Sakho isn't passed fit to make his comeback from knee injury #LFC https://t.co/dTxSQa7nLp
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) January 11, 2016
Coutinho, Lovren, Sturridge still out
Meanwhile, chief playmaker Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren are still out due to their injuries, as are the likes of Divock Origi and Danny Ings.
Sturridge is still training alone and is unlikely to be fit enough to play any part in the tie, with Benteke expected to continue in his role as the lone forward.
Jon Flannagan, Jordan Henderson, Jordon Ibe, Jordan Rossister, Joe Gomez are also out with injuries, making a total of 10 players unavailable to the manager as they host the league leaders.
