Finnan's Anfield future remains in the balance

Champions League team news: Steve Finnan, named in the Republic of Ireland squad earlier today after coming out of international retirement, has been left at home for Liverpool's Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege. Liverpool travelled to Belgium without the full-back amid rumours of a disagreement between Finnan and Rafael Benitez over attempts to sell him.

The Liverpool manager has claimed Finnan, offered to Aston Villa earlier in the summer as part of the club's bid for Gareth Barry, is not fully fit after an injury and operation in the summer. But reports on Merseyside claim Benitez is intent on selling the defender to boost his transfer coffers.

Benitez, meanwhile, believes his skipper Steven Gerrard has a good chance of being fit for tomorrow's first leg. Gerrard trained with the squad tonight at Liege's stadium, and a decision on the England midfielder's recovery from a thigh injury will be made closer to kick-off.
 
He also confirmed that midfielder Xabi Alonso will play, even if it means the Spaniard will then be cup-tied in the competition and worth a lot less than the fee Liverpool may want for him.

Arsenal will be without key midfielder Cesc Fabregas and several other first-team regulars for tomorrow night's trip to FC Twente in Holland.

Fabregas (hamstring) joins the likes of Kolo Toure (hip), Abou Diaby (thigh), Philippe Senderos (hamstring) and summer signing Samri Nasri (knee/thigh) on the sidelines along with Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo, who are both recovering from long-term injuries.

The number of absentees means Wales Under-21 international Aaron Ramsey — who joined the Gunners from Cardiff — could be handed a full competitive debut alongside young Brazilian Denilson in midfield.

Liverpool squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena, Kuyt, Gerrard, Alonso, Benayoun, Torres, Keane. Subs(from): Cavalieri, Plessis, Ngog, Spearing, Hyypia, Pennant, Darby.

Arsenal squad: Almunia, Fabianski, Sagna, Gallas, Clichy, Hoyte, Djourou, Ramsey, Wilshere, Gibbs, Denilson, Walcott, Eboue, Randall, Adebayor, Van Persie, Bendtner, Vela.