Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Harvey Elliott will return to the matchday squad for Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Cardiff City.
The 18-year-old suffered a serious ankle injury against Leeds United back in September but has made excellent progress in his recovery and could be involved in some capacity here.
Divock Origi is also closing in on a return from a knee injury and may be passed fit, but Thiago Alcantara - who is battling back from a hip issue - has been dealing with a chest infection in recent days.
Alisson Becker is set to take his place on the sidelines as Caoimhin Kelleher prepares to start in goal, and the youngster may be protected by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Neco Williams's loan exit should give Conor Bradley another chance to impress at right-back, while Kostas Tsimikas will expect to displace Andy Robertson on the opposite side.
Klopp may elect to beef up the midfield with the experience of Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, leaving Curtis Jones, Tyler Morton and the returning Naby Keita to battle for the final spot.
Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will soon go up against one another in the Africa Cup of Nations final, and Klopp has also hinted that it will be too soon for Luis Diaz to make his debut.
Roberto Firmino and Takumi Minamino are likely to earn starts in the final third with that being the case, and 17-year-old Kaide Gordon can also feel hopeful of another appearance.
Liverpool possible starting lineup: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Jones; Gordon, Firmino, Minamino
Ben Knapton
