Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed he will not take any risks with Daniel Agger's fitness.
The Denmark international is close to returning to action after undergoing a minor back operation last month.
Agger has yet to feature this season due to the problem, but Benitez believes the central defender could be back in action next week.
Liverpool's injury problems are easing with Fabio Aurelio making his first appearance of the campaign as a late substitute against Debrecen in midweek and other long-term absentee Alberto Aquilani set to start training in the next few weeks.
"Aurelio is now ready for a comeback, Mascherano is also over his problem while Danny Agger is very close to a return and (Alberto) Aquilani is also getting close to being involved in full training," said Benitez.
"When the majority of our squad are fit, we can manage games with more confidence.
"Agger is a risk, he could play now, but he has been out for a long time and we have to be careful with him. But I believe that next week he could be available."