Kirkland back to full fitness
Chris Kirkland is putting pressure on Jerzy Dudek after at last playing his first full game of the season following a back injury.
The youngster, widely regarded as England’s number one goalkeeper-in-waiting, has seen his progress hindered by constant injury problems over the past two seasons
But he played a full 90 minutes on Thursday in Liverpool reserves’ 1-0 win over Sunderland and can now give manager Rafael Benitez a serious option.
It is unlikely Benitez will change his goalkeeper for Monday’s Premiership trip to Manchester United – even if Dudek has had his misfortunes against the Old Trafford club.
But having looked unsure in the air during the midweek win over Monaco, Dudek must know his place is now under threat.
Otherwise, Benitez has no serious injury problems and his most pressing decision will again be who plays in central midfield, with Dietmar Hamann left out against the French side to allow Xabi Alonso a starring role in the 2-0 win.
Florent Sinama-Pongolle is likely to be out with an ankle injury sustained in the reserve fixture.
Provisional squad: Dudek, Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Finnan, Gerrard, Hamann, Alonso, Kewell, Cisse, Baros, Garcia, Kirkland, Warnock, Biscan, Diao, Traore, Henchoz.
