Alonso doubt for Stoke trip

Alonso: Midfielder limps off at Preston

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Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso could miss Saturday's trip to Stoke with the foot injury he sustained against Preston.

The Spain international sustained the damage moments before half-time of the third round victory at Deepdale and was replaced by Lucas Leiva at the interval.

Alonso has returned to general fitness training with the rest of the squad but at present has not pulled on a pair of boots and done any work with the ball.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez revealed that the former Real Sociedad ace required several stitches in the injury and will wait until the end of the week before making any decision on his inclusion at the Britannia Stadium.

"Xabi trained yesterday (Tuesday) but the problem is he had seven stitches so clearly it depends if he can put boots on and kick the ball," Benitez told the club's official website.

Wait and see

"For running and training I think he will be okay but we have to decide at the end of the week about his boots.

"If he can kick a ball he could be available for Stoke but we will have to wait and see."

Benitez expects Javier Mascherano to recover from an ankle problem in time to tackle Stoke, but Alvaro Arbeloa remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

"Arbeloa is improving but I think he will need another week," added Benitez. "Hopefully next week he can train normally again."

Liverpool can extend their lead at the Premier League summit to six points with victory over Stoke, with Chelsea travelling to Manchester United for their crunch clash, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1, on Sunday.