Gerrard and Agger to return

Roy Hodgson has confirmed Steven Gerrard and Daniel Agger are fit to face Blackpool on Boxing Day.

Gerrard has been sidelined in recent weeks by a hamstring injury sustained on international duty with England last month, while a calf problem has kept Agger out of action since September 25.

However, the pair are set to return to action for the trip to Bloomfield Road.

Hodgson told his pre-match press conference: "Steven Gerrard and Daniel Agger are fit.

"It's a big boost going into five games in 15 days, which is a season-changing period for every club in the Premier League.

"Steven would have been fit to have played against Fulham as well, so it doesn't hurt to give him an extra week so he can get some more training in.

"But what he needs now is to play matches and unfortunately the chance to play a match was missed because of our game against Fulham falling victim to the weather."

Jay Spearing and Jamie Carragher are Liverpool's only absentees for the Blackpool clash.

Hodgson added: "There are only two players unavailable to me. Jay Spearing, who suffered a break in a bone above his ankle, is still out for another month I think.

"Jamie Carragher is, if we are to believe the doctors, still nine weeks away from coming back. But knowing Jamie, it would not surprise me if it was a lot less than nine weeks."