Aquilani could make Liverpool reserves appearance

Liverpool are considering giving £20m summer signing Alberto Aquilani a reserve team run-out tomorrow.

The Italy international is yet to figure for the Reds so far this season as he has battled back from a summer knee operation that preceded his move from Roma to Anfield.

But the attacking midfielder has been back in full training for more than a week now, and is tentatively being considered for a short spell of action during tomorrow's home reserve match with Sunderland.

But even if the 25-year-old does make a cameo appearance at Tranmere's Prenton Park, it is believed that he is not being considered for a first-team debut against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool will be without Spanish winger Albert Riera for tonight's Champions League home clash with Lyon.

Riera is due to have a scan on a hamstring problem picked up in training last weekend.

He was an unused substitute in the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland and is unlikely to be considered for the visit of Sir Alex Ferguson's men at the weekend.