Fernando Torres is expected to return to Premier League action for the first time since November when Liverpool travel to Stoke.
Full-back Alvaro Arbeloa is unlikely to be involved as he recovers from a hamstring problem, but Javier Mascherano has overcome an ankle knock sustained at Preston in the FA Cup last weekend.
Fabio Aurelio is expected to return at left-back, with teenager Emiliano Insua on international duty with Argentina Under-20s.
Midfielder Xabi Alonso has been ruled out with a foot injury, while veteran defender Sami Hyypia will make the 700th appearance of his club career if he figures at the Britannia Stadium.
