David Moyes says that Jason Denayer could return from a hamstring injury, with the Sunderland manager revealing that no damage was found following a scan after he missed the 4-1 defeat at Burnley.
But Victor Anichebe is likely to miss out with his own hamstring problem sustained at Turf Moor, while Lamine Kone is doubtful after coming off in the opening 45 minutes.
Jordan Pickford, Lee Cattermole, Jan Kirchhoff, Paddy McNair, Lynden Gooch and Duncan Watmore remained absent for the Black Cats.
Liverpool will be without Philippe Coutinho and Joel Matip at the Stadium of Light. The pair both have ankle injures, with Coutinho out since the reverse fixture in November and Matip missing the last four matches.
Did you know?
After a run of five Premier League fixtures without a win at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats have won three of their last four, keeping two clean sheets (L1).
The Black Cats are winless in their last four home league meetings with Liverpool, losing each of the last three.
The Reds have won their last two visits to the Stadium of Light by a 1-0 scoreline, with a new signing scoring the winner both times (Lazar Markovic in 2014/15 and Christian Benteke in 2015/16).
Each of Liverpool’s last five Premier League goals against Sunderland have come in the second half.
What the managers say
David Moyes: “Sometimes football gives you results when you least expect it, so we’ve got to hope it’s one of those days. We’re going to have to play really well to get a result against Liverpool so we’re not kidding anybody on, but I always said we have a difficult Christmas period."
Jurgen Klopp: "It's so difficult in this league, unbelievably difficult. And the next game is waiting already against Sunderland. They fight for the league (status) and for their life. We have to win our games and see where it leads us.”
