Torres and Mascherano in line to face West Ham

Liverpool duo Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano are both set to shrug off injury and be in line to face West Ham this weekend reports today’s Echo. “Torres, who missed Sunday's win over Newcastle with a hamstring niggle, and Javier Mascherano, who was substituted with an ankle problem, are both in line for a return at Upton Park where the Reds will be looking for three points to maintain pressure Manchester United at the top of the league table” states the article. “However Xabi Alonso, who was the victim of Joey Barton's crude lunge that led to Newcastle midfielder's red card, is still struggling with that knock and may struggle to face Gianfranco Zola's side. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez said, "Xabi is the main doubt for the weekend. He has been working and hopefully he will be better in a few days. He is improving but we have to wait. We'll have to check him for the weekend because it is more serious than Mascherano's injury."

Gerrard set to return against Newcastle

Steven Gerrard is to return from injury to face Newcastle in this Sunday’s Premier League game at Anfield, reports today’s Times. Manager Rafael Benitez declared “Steven is doing well and is training with the rest of the team.” Adding “I think he will be fit and available for Sunday. It is good news for the team and for him, because he can be a key player for us over the remaining games.” Kick off is at 1.30.