Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has recalled Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso to the squad to face Reading at Anfield on Saturday.Alonso missed Tuesday's win over Inter Milan to be at the bedside of his girlfriend for the birth of their son.

Daniel Agger, meanwhile, has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a metatarsal injury that will require a third operation on Monday.

The Reading match will be followed by a hugely-demanding schedule that sees the Anfield club playing Manchester United, Everton and Arsenal - the latter on three occasions in a week including both legs of a Champions League quarter-final.

Reds (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Aurelio, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Lucas, Babel, Kuyt, Torres, Crouch, Voronin, Itandje.

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