Gerrard out of Braga tie

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been left out of the squad for Thursday's Europa League last-16 first leg against Braga in Portugal but record signing Andy Carroll is set for his European debut. Gerrard has been nursing a slight groin problem over the last week and remains on Merseyside to rest. However, Carroll, a £35million January transfer from Newcastle, has been officially included for the first time having made his Reds bow as a substitute in Sunday's 3-1 win over Manchester United. The 22-year-old will continue his gradual introduction to the first team with a likely place on the bench. Manager Kenny Dalglish has defensive worries with both Martin Kelly and Fabio Aurelio out for a month with hamstring injuries while Daniel Agger is out with a calf problem. Teenager Danny Wilson played out of position at left-back in the previous round against Sparta Prague and may be asked to continue, with Glen Johnson reverting to his more familiar right-sided role. Young reserve team full-backs John Flanagan and Emmanuel Mendy have been included in the squad. Luis Suarez (ineligible) and the injured Martin Kelly and Jonjo Shelvey have also travelled with the team.

Source: PA