Dirk Kuyt fit to play in Liverpool FC's clash at Sunderland

Dirk Kuyt 300DIRK KUYT has given Liverpool's preparations for tomorrow's trip to Sunderland a much-needed lift by declaring himself fit for duty.The Holland international picked up an ankle injury during his country's trip to Australia last weekend and exacerbated the problem during the 0-0 draw in Sydney.However, Kuyt has responded to treatment since returning to Melwood on Tuesday and he should keep his place in the starting line-up at the Stadium of Light.That will come as a relief to boss Rafa Benitez, who has concerns over the fitness of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and who yesterday lost Sotirios Kyrgiakos for between four and six months.Neither Gerrard - who had a scan on an adductor problem on Wednesday - or Torres trained at Melwood yesterday after returning from international duty but both will be given every chance to prove their wellbeing.Similar sentiments apply to Argentine pair Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua, as well as Brazilian midfielder Lucas, who were not expected back at Melwood from South America until this afternoon.The news, though, is not looking good for Kyrgiakos, who suffered a suspected rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament during Greece's 2-1 win over Luxembourg in Athens on Wednesday night.

Source: Liverpool_Echo