Momo ready for Everton
08 Sep 2006 - 07:46:24
Momo Sissoko will be fit enough to play for Liverpool in the 175th league meeting between the two Merseyside giants after recovering from a knee injury.
The 21-year-old Mali international picked up the problem in last month's Champions League qualifying round clash with Maccabi Haifa but has now returned to full training.
However, Reds boss Rafa Benitez is unsure whether John Arne Riise and Jamie Carragher will be able to feature in the Goodison clash. Both players are struggling with ankle problems and the former Valencia coach said: "We'll leave it until the last minute before deciding whether John or Carra have a chance.
"There's no time really to do what we'd like before the derby. All we can do is make sure all the players have recovered from their international matches. The important thing is they all come back fit and without problems. That's our hope."
Harry Kewell remains on the sidelines, as does Stephen Warnock, who was wanted by Blackburn Rovers on transfer deadline day. Benitez may hand a first start to Dirk Kuyt after the Dutchman made a good impression when coming off the substitutes bench in the victory against West Ham United last time out.
Meanwhile, Everton boss David Moyes may be without James McFadden for Saturday's match after the former Motherwell star limped out of the early stages of Scotland's Euro 2008 qualifier with Lithuania on Wednesday.
However, veteran defender Alan Stubbs is expected to be fit enough to play after recovering from a hamstring injury while Nuno Valente featured for Portugal against Finland in midweek following his dead leg.
Liverpool have won 65 Merseyside derby clashes to Everton's 55 while last term, at Goodison, Benitez's side won 3-1 thanks to goals by Peter Crouch, Steven Gerrard and Djibril Cisse. James Beattie netted Everton's consolation effort.
Everton go into the match ahead of their arch-rivals having taken seven points from their opening three matches - beating Tottenham and Watford but drawing at Blackburn Rovers.