The 30-year-old midfielder last played for the Reds in the 2-0 defeat at Stoke on November 13 before he was injured in England's friendly with France four days later.
Having made 10 changes for the Europa League match against Utrecht manager Roy Hodgson is likely to restore most of the players who featured in the defeat at Newcastle last Saturday to face his former club.
That means a start for striker Fernando Torres, who was an unused substitute in midweek, while Jose Reina will make his 200th Barclays Premier League appearance.
Record-breaking goalkeeper Reina believes the club's top-four chances could well hinge on a successful festive period.
The visit of Fulham is the first of three home matches in four fixtures - the other being a Boxing Day trip to Blackpool.
Form at Anfield has masked troubles on the road with 17 of their 22-point tally being secured on home territory.
Since their shock defeat to Blackpool in early October Liverpool have won four successive Barclays Premier League matches at Anfield.
The Cottagers, Wolves and Bolton all have to travel to Merseyside in the next three weeks and Reina believes they have to take full advantage if they are to close the current nine-point gap to fourth-placed Chelsea.
"We know it's a critical moment in the season. Every year Christmas time is huge," said the Spain international, who on his last Anfield appearance beat Ray Clemence's record in reaching 100 league clean sheets in the fastest time.
"There are 12 points just around the corner for us. They are tough but winnable games so it's a time to get ourselves back on track.
"The top four is realistic - that's realistic to talk about now.
"We have to beat Fulham and let's see how the Christmas period ends, then in January we can see where we're aiming for."
Fulham will still be without Moussa Dembele. The striker has returned to his native Belgium for treatment on the ankle problem that has sidelined him for more than a month but hopes to be back for the Boxing Day clash with West Ham.
Matthew Briggs (calf) is out until next month, while Bobby Zamora (ankle/leg) and Philippe Senderos (Achilles) are on target for February returns.
Source: DSG
