It'll be interesting now to see who's used in defence at Anfield. Kolo could well go straight in alongside Philippe Senderos and Eboue at right back. But given the lack of right-back options (Kerrea Gilbert isn't back yet from his back problem) it's also possible that Johan Djourou will continue at centre-back and Kolo rather than Emmanuel will play instead of Mathieu Flamini on the right.

At left back, Sebastian Larsson still looks the best bet. Gael Clichy has returned to training but isn't ready to play, and Ashley Cole and Lauren are still out (the latter, for the rest of the season). Sol Campbell is out with his "genuine ankle injury".

Theo Walcott is also training but not playing. He could have been used in this one because Robin van Persie (toe) has been joined in the injury bay by Dennis Bergkamp (calf) and Jose Antonio Reyes. Reyes misses the game with a leg injury sustained against Bolton on Saturday, but the latest official news is that we still don't know the results of this afternoon's MRI scan. That contrasts with quotes this morning, apparently from Reyes himself, saying that it's only bad bruising and not a fracture. Probably best to say his return is a complete unknown at the moment. But early reports of a break were clearly wrong which can only be good news. Jose is particularly hoping to be ready to travel to Madrid for the big game tomorrow week.

Liverpool will be missing a Spaniard or two themselves. Luis Garcia is not thought to be ready to return from a knee injury and keeper Jose Reina is suspended.

Up front, Peter Crouch is a doubt with a heel problem which kept him out of the win at Wigan on Saturday and Liverpool's saviour (and our nemesis) Robbie Fowler similarly faces a late fitness test. Stephen "who?" Warnock has recovered from a groin problem.