Midfielders Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso have been passed fit for Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
But Rafa Benitez has ruled out any chance of Fernando Torres being included, while fellow forward Robbie Keane didn’t train on Friday and a decision will be made later on the Irishman’s inclusion.
Benitez told the official LFC website:
“Xabi and Steven both trained today and should be okay. It wasn’t a hard session but I am confident they can play at Chelsea.
“We’re still not sure about Robbie. He didn’t train today and we will have to see how he is tomorrow. We will make a late decision.
“Fernando won’t be involved. He is recovering well and should be fit again soon, but we have to be careful with the player.”
With Torres out, Benitez is likely to deploy Gerrard ahead of Alonso and Javier Mascherano and behind either Keane or Dirk Kuyt in attack, with Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera keeping their places out wide.
Torres is likely to make his return in next Wednesday’s league match with Portsmouth at Anfield.
