Fitness update on Reds trio
Brendan Rodgers has provided the latest injury update on three of his squad members, and backed his Liverpool team to rise to expectations when they take on Fulham this weekend.
Jose Enrique is available for selection once again after missing the defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday and Lucas Leiva will continue his progressive comeback, but Oussama Assaidi is struggling for full fitness.
The boss explained at his press briefing on Thursday: "Jose Enrique is back in, which is great news because he was absolutely flying when he picked up his niggle at West Ham. He comes into the squad.
"Oussama Assaidi has struggled in the last couple of days with his knee. Lucas Leiva is gaining fitness all the time, he's been out for a long time - that's going to be gradual, not an instant progression. The group is at a really good level."
The 3-1 loss against Villa was a shock to the system following a run of three consecutive victories, but the 39-year-old backed the Reds to perform at a higher level when the Cottagers arrive on Merseyside.
He added: "It was disappointing, but we've had a good week this week. It was a funny day all round - probably for the first time at Anfield there was an expectancy of us to get the result, which there should be because we're playing at home.
"No game is easy in this division and you have got to give credit to Aston Villa. We weren't at our best, it was as simple as that.
"There have only been two games this year where we walked in disappointed. One was Arsenal, because we weren't at the races that day and we were punished. And also against Aston Villa.
"Apart from that I can't be critical of the team - we've created so many opportunities, played good football and could have had more points.
"But we've been reasonably consistent and climbing the table steadily, rather than quickly. Now the focus is on making sure we're at our best. If we can do that, we'll gain more points than we drop.
"There's always expectancy here - it's one of the biggest clubs in world football. Attached to that label is expectancy, which should always be there.
"The main reason why I came here was the expectancy to win things and that's something that we'll fight for. But you can't ever get too far ahead. We're still in a position where we can achieve our objectives and that's the most important thing.
"The reaction of the players has been first class - their willingness to put it right and get three points this weekend is very high. I've seen that in training.
"If you go into the game with any complacency or idea that it's going to be a stroll, then you'll fall flat on your face. Martin Jol is very experienced and a good manager, [Dimitar] Berbatov is on the top of his game at the moment.
"They are a team which has been strong at home in the last few years in the Premier League, but away from home they've found it difficult. Our concentration has to be on ourselves."
Earlier in the day, the Reds were handed a return mission to Russia when the draw for the last 32 of the Europa League paired Liverpool with Zenit St. Petersburg - an outcome which excited the manager.
"It's a good draw - we've had experience of Russia. It was important that we won the group, which means the second leg is at home," the Northern Irishman commented.
"There are a lot of games and thinking before then, but it's obviously exciting. They are a team that have invested an awful lot of money to win things and do well. Nearer the time, our focus will turn to that."
Rodgers was also questioned by reporters about potential signings arriving at Anfield in January, with the transfer window opening again in 12 days.
The boss explained: "Our scouting network have been looking high and low for talents. The minute we do bring anyone in, I will speak all day about them.
"At this moment in time, there's nothing to speak about - only the players we have here. If we can get talented young players in, that would be fantastic for us. We'll conclude what we can as early as we can."
Asked for his opinion on holding and grappling in the penalty box, Rodgers was philosophical. "It's a part of the game and the culture," he concluded.
"A lot of the time I don't think there's anything wrong with it. It's about competitive men looking for space in the box, no player will let someone walk into space.
"I don't think you can give a penalty for every single incident that happens and it's a difficult one for the referee."