Sunderland have been dealt a significant injury blow with the news that defender Paddy McNair is expected to miss the rest of the season.
The former Manchester United centre back ruptured his cruciate ligament during last weekend's 3-0 win against Hull.
According to theLiverpool Echo, the 21-year-old will now require an operation having attempted to play on with the injury.
Paddy McNair has been ruled out of action after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament - https://t.co/0xe3sG7r7m pic.twitter.com/FxLijyU5UB
Sunderland will also be without defenderPapy Djilobodji after his red cardagainst Hull.That is likely to pave the way for a return to the starting lineup for John O'Shea.
Another absentee for the Black Cats is 28-year-old midfielder Lee Cattermole, who is estimated to be out for around four months following hip surgery.He had been out since September with a back injury, and upon visiting the United States for treatment, doctors found a tear in the cartilage in his hip which required surgery.
David Moyes has had some good news, however.Both Jan Kirchhoff and Seb Larsson are ready to return to action ahead of the Anfield clash, and played in an Under-23 match on Monday night.
Kirchhoff has been out since early October with recurring hamstring problems, but scored in the Under-23 game - a 2-0 win over Manchester United.
Back to back wins have given Sunderland a much needed boost of confidence going into the game at Anfield, although they will still be very muchconsidered underdogs.
They have moved above Swansea, climbing off the foot of the table as they look to make up ground on their relegation rivals.