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Liverpool’s Alberto Aquilani is close to a return to fitness. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Liverpool are considering giving their £20million summer signing, Alberto Aquilani, a reserve team run-out tomorrow.

The Italy international is yet to figure so far this season as he has recovered from a summer knee operation that preceded his move from Roma to Anfield.

But the attacking midfielder has been back in full training for more than a week now, and is being considered for a short spell of action during tomorrow’s home reserve match with Sunderland.

But even if the 25-year-old does make an appearance at Tranmere’s Prenton Park, it is believed that he is not being considered for a first-team debut against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool will be without the Spanish winger Albert Riera for tonight’s Champions League home match with Lyon. Riera is due to have a scan on a hamstring problem picked up in training last weekend.

He was an unused substitute in the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland and is unlikely to be considered for the visit of Sir Alex Ferguson’s men at the weekend.