Liverpool could have Xabi Alonso back in their lineup for the big clash with United on Sunday. Rafa revealed today [source] that Alonso has returned to training and could be in contention.

Alonso suffered a metatarsal injury earlier in the season but made a comeback against Arsenal at the end of October, only to aggravate the injury.

He seems unlikely to come straight into the side given Tuesday’s nights performance but could well figure from the bench. In the long term, Rafa’s plans for Alonso and Gerrard could be significant. Before Alonso’s injury, Gerrard was frequently employed in a wider role and scored just 2 goals. He’s hit 9 more since shifting full-time to central midfield in Alonso’s absence. Balancing Alonso’s return with Gerrard’s current form could be a difficult task for Rafa although the uncertainty over Mascherano’s future could solve that problem for him.

In other injury news from Anfield, Finnan is reportedly still carrying a knock that kept him out of the Champions League game in midweek and is a doubt for the United game. That is likely to see Arbeloa continue at right-back with Riise on the left. Meanwhile, Agger is still out so Hyypia is set to continue.