Roy Hodgson's start to his career as Liverpool manager could be getting even tougher as injuries complicate his planning for Sunday's English Premier League match against newly promoted Blackpool.
Hodgson could be without a specialist leftback at Anfield after Martin Kelly was hurt in Thursday's 0-0 Europa League draw at Utrecht.
With Paul Konchesky carrying a hamstring injury, Daniel Agger troubled by a groin injury and Fabio Aurelio still out with an Achilles problem, Hodgson's defense could be depleted as the team tries to add to its single win from six games so far.
"Kelly has got a slight problem with his knee so that could be another leftback out for us," Hodgson said. "I don't know how bad that is so we'll have to wait and see.
"On the positive side though, Steven Gerrard will be back and we'll be raring to go on Sunday."
With striker Fernando Torres struggling in front of goal, the return of captain Gerrard is a welcome boost to a team that has lost twice and has beaten only newly promoted West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.
Torres scored twice for Spain last month but his only goal for Liverpool was in the 1-0 win against the Baggies.
"We know he can do more, we expect more, he expects more," Hodgson said. "But it's early in the season and we've got to be patient. You can't fault his workrate at the moment, he's just after that elusive goal."
Liverpool could slip into the relegation zone if it fails to beat a Blackpool side one point ahead in the standings.
All four of the teams below - Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wigan, West Ham and Everton - have the chance to move above Liverpool this weekend.
Wolves host Wigan on Saturday, when Everton is at Birmingham and West Ham hosts Fulham.
Manchester United is at Sunderland, while Blackburn is at Stoke and Aston Villa is at Tottenham.
Leader Chelsea hosts third-place Arsenal in one of Sunday's three matches, with midfielder Frank Lampard set to miss the match at Stamford Bridge because of a groin injury.
Lampard has recovered from hernia surgery but has since sustained a new injury.
Striker Didier Drogba was suspended for the midweek Champions League game against Marseille but is fit to face a team against which he has scored 12 goals in 10 appearances - including four in two wins last season.
Chelsea has five wins from its six matches and has 21 goals, with five from Drogba.
"It's a team I've done well against in certain games," Drogba said. "I hope this match resembles the last one we had against them."
Also on Sunday, Manchester City hosts Newcastle.
