Latest News on Meireles injury

Raul Meireles will miss Wednesday's trip to Blackburn Rovers due to an ankle injury.

The Portugal midfielder was forced from the pitch midway through the first half of our 2-1 win over Bolton on New Year's Day.

Scans revealed bruising to his ankle which will mean he plays no part at Ewood Park - though the 27-year-old could be back for Sunday's FA Cup tie with Manchester United.

"He's got bone bruising on his ankle," assistant manager Sammy Lee told Liverpoolfc.tv. "This isn't as bad as we first thought.

"Unfortunately he's not available for Blackburn but he's a tough cookie and hopefully he will be back for Sunday."

Meanwhile, Jay Spearing is back in training after fracturing a bone above his ankle at Melwood in November.

Agent confirms Liverpool and Tottenham contact for "Next Van Basten"

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have enquired about the availability of FC Utrecht forward Ricky Van Wolfswinkel who has been compared to Dutch great Marco Van Basten.

The starlet has been monitored closely by the aforementioned Premier League duo, while Arsenal and Newcastle United have also kept a close eye on the striker, however the player’s representative has confirmed Roy Hodgson and Harry Redknapp are considering bids for the forward.

“At this moment it is unlikely Ricky will move because I have not received an concrete offer from either Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool.” Louis Laros explained to Sport.co.uk.

“I cannot say at the moment if it is serious interest, an enquiry, or just rumours. We are waiting for calls from both clubs, as we need an official offer from Liverpool or Spurs to proceed."

Laros did stress that his client was keen to leave FC Utrecht and seal a move to the Premier League.

“He is eager to move and he finds Tottenham and Liverpool both very interesting opportunities. 

“In the game against Liverpool he got injured, and he is still a couple of weeks off being fully fit, but everything has gone well. But as I said, I have not had an offer from either club, so we are waiting.”

Van Wolfswinkel, a regular starter for the Dutch under-21s and recently capped at full international level, is regarded as one of Europe’s hottest young talents having been closely watched by the continent's top clubs since making his debut for Vitesse Arnhem in 2008. 

The hitman has since moved to FC Utrecht where he has established himself as the club's leading front-man and helped them to a seventh place Eredivisie finish. The striker has scored 17 goals in his last 24 appearances in all competitions.  

Liverpool’s new Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli has highlighted the Dutchman as a great prospect for the future, while Newcastle United under manager Chris Hughton were keeping regular tabs on the impressive youngster.. 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has kept a close eye on the striker but has admitted that he will only move for a player in January in “exceptional” circumstances. Harry Redknapp is a big admirer of the forward sending regular scouts to watch van Wolfswinkel but reports this morning suggest the North London club are closing in on a £17 million move for Ajax striker Luis Suarez.

January Bid For FC Cluj striker Lacina Traore

Liverpool are considering a January bid for FC Cluj striker Lacina Traore, according to reports on Tuesday.

The Reds are desperate for another striker to help propel them back up the table after a disappointing first half of the season, and boss Roy Hodgson has now identified 6ft 8in Traore as a possible solution.

The 20-year-old Ivory Coast forward was linked with Arsenal last summer and Fulham and Newcastle are also thought to be interested.

Blackburn Rovers vs Liverpool FC: Match Preview

Wednesday January 5

Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool
Ewood Park
Kick-off: 20.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day.

Blackburn (Possible, 4-4-2): Bunn; Salgado, Samba, Nelsen, Givet; E Diouf, Dunn, Pedersen, Hoilett; M Diouf, Benjani.
Liverpool (Possible, 4-4-2): Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Aurelio; Kuyt, Lucas, Gerrard, Maxi; Ngog, Torres.
Referee: Andre Marriner. Matches: 14. R2 Y54.

Tale of the game

Blackburn Rovers could be without several senior players. Grant Hanley is now a doubt after being replaced at half time during the 3-0 defeat at Sunderland, with a calf injury, while Brett Emerton will miss most of this month due to Australia’s Asia Cup campaign.

Defender Christopher Samba returns from a three-match absence to captain Blackburn while Michel Salgado, who served a one-match suspension in Saturday’s defeat at Sunderland, also returns.

Striker Nikola Kalinic still has two matches of his ban outstanding so he misses out as does midfielder Brett Emerton who has joined up with Australia for their Asian Cup campaign.

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson is still sidelined with a calf injury while Grant Hanley will undergo further tests after scans yesterday suggested he could have a stress fracture in his shin.

Keith Andrews (groin), Phil Jones (knee), Steven Nzonzi and Jason Roberts (both hamstring) are also absent.

Liverpool should restore Steven Gerrard to the starting eleven after the captain began the 2-1 win over Bolton from the bench.

Joe Cole, who scored the winner at Anfield, could be given a rare start but Jamie Carragher (shoulder) and Jay Spearing (ankle) are still missing.

In October, Fernando Torres scored the winner in a 2-1 win at Ewood Park.

This season: Liverpool 2 Blackburn 1.

Last season: Blackburn 0 Liverpool 0, Liverpool 2 Blackburn 1.

Stat of the game: Liverpool are unbeaten at Ewood Park since Boxing Day 20006.

Betting tip: Who knows? Try a 2-1 Blackburn win at 11-1.