The recognised first-team players set to feature on Thursday irrespective of Hodgson’s discussions with his medical staff will be midfielders Lucas Leiva and Alberto Aquilani and forwards David Ngog and new signing Milan Jovanovic.

Aquilani has recovered from a knee injury which kept him out of the weekend friendly defeat to Kaiserslautern while Jovanovic will play his first competitive match for Liverpool having been given 45 minutes in Germany.

The Serbia international played on the left wing but could easily find himself in a more central position up front against the Macedonians.

Wherever he is deployed the 29-year-old is just keen to get his Reds career off and running.

“I am really looking forward to it.

“For all players all over the world, you have to be proud when Liverpool come for you,” said Jovanovic, a free transfer from Standard Liege.

“I have got to use every minute and every small chance and every game for Liverpool to show I deserve to be here.

“When I get more practice and I am fitter, I am confident I can help that team.

“I have never doubted my ability but the main thing at the minute is for me to get the feeling of the team.”

Liverpool’s two Argentina internationals Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez have returned to pre-season training after their post-World Cup holiday.

It means Hodgson will finally get the chance to discuss his plans with Mascherano, one of Liverpool’s key figures, having failed to speak to the player while he was away.

The Argentina captain, heavily linked with a reunion with former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez at Inter Milan, did not answer his phone or return a call from Hodgson while he was on leave in his homeland.

But he returned to Melwood on schedule to begin preparations for the new season.