Liverpool have serious defensive problems ahead of the match.

Jamie Carragher is ruled out due to a one-match suspension, while new signing Martin Skrtel is unlikely to have recovered from an ankle injury.

Danish defender Daniel Agger has finally been given the go-ahead to start playing again after a length metatarsal injury, but he is not ready for a senior return just yet.

It means that Sami Hyypia is the only fit central defender, and that could see full-back Alvaro Arbeloa pressed into action alongside the veteran Finn.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will make late checks on Robert Huth and Tuncay Sanli before naming his side for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Liverpool.

The German international missed the FA Cup fifth round trip to Sheffield United with a foot problem but could return at Anfield, while Tuncay is back in training after a hamstring problem.

David Wheater is available before sitting out Wednesday night's FA Cup replay through suspension, but Lee Cattermole (knee) and Chris Riggott (hamstring) remain on the sidelines.