Xabi Alonso has not travelled with the Liverpool squad for tomorrow’s Premier League clash away to West Ham at Upton Park, but Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano are fit to start for the Reds.
Alonso has not recovered from the injury caused by a wreckless challenge from Newcastle Utd’s Joey Barton during last Sunday’s 3-0 thumping of the Magpies at Anfield.
However, fellow Spaniard Torres returns to the squad after sitting on the sidelines with a hamstring injury last weekend.
Argentine international midfielder Mascherano is also fit to start, despite suffering a knock against Alan Shearer’s men.
Manager Rafa Benitez told the club’s official web site, “Xabi is not fit and cannot play. We think maybe in the next week he will be okay. We had an idea that he could be fit for this game but in the end it was impossible.
“Javier was training and is in the squad, and so is Fernando.”
West Ham vs Liverpool kicks off at 5.30pm and is live on Setanta Sports. West Ham have issued a statement today advising Reds fans that no alcohol will be sold in Upton Park once the match is underway.
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