Fernando Torres and Martin Sktrel will be pushing for places in the starting line-up after making substitute appearances following their recoveries in the past two weeks.

However, in the case of centre-back Skrtel, Benitez has suggested he is no rush to press him back into action because of the faith he has in his defence, and Sami Hyypia in particular.

If the Finn is picked for the trip to the Britannia Stadium, it will be his sixth start in seven Premier League games and his 700th senior appearance.

Hyypia turned 35 this season and was left out of Liverpool’s initial Champions League squad but has re-emerged as an influential defensive force in recent weeks.

“I have a lot of confidence in Sami,” said Benitez.

“He is a fantastic professional so I knew he would play really well.

“Clearly, when you talk about Sami you are talking about a player who has been here for a long time.

“Everybody knows he is a nice lad, a very good professional and a very good player, so we are really pleased to keep him here.

“We have very good centre-backs here and it is good to see all of them competing for a place. That can only be good for the team.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool reserve team trio Adam Hammill, Craig Lindfield and Godwin Antwi have returned to Melwood following loan spells at Blackpool, Bournemouth and Tranmere Rovers respectively.

They will return to Gary Ablett’s reserve squad but goalkeeper David Martin will stay with League One leaders Leicester until the end of the season and midfielder Ryan Flynn will remain at Wrexham for a second month.

Academy striker Marvin Pourie has returned to his native Germany yesterday, finalising his move to Schalke 04.