Brendan Rodgers expects Daniel Sturridge to make his Liverpool return next week while admitting poor form is keeping Mario Balotelli out.
Brendan Rodgers will soon be able to boost his Liverpool attack with Daniel Sturridge after watching them draw a blank in the FA Cup.
Bolton Wanderers were able to battle their way to a 0-0 draw at Anfield, earning a fourth-round replay as Rodgers' men came up against visiting goalkeeper Adam Bogdan in inspired form behind a disciplined defence.
Sturridge netted 21 goals in 29 Premier League appearances last season, but has not featured for his club since August's 3-0 victory a Tottenham due to struggles with thigh and hamstring injuries.
But the England striker will return to training with his Liverpool team-mates on Sunday and could play a part in next week's League Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea.
Whether or not the 25-year-old plays a part in a tie that is finely poised at 1-1, Rodgers insists Sturridge will be ready for Liverpool's next Premier League outing at home to West Ham.
Despite the Bolton result meaning just one win in their past six outings at Anfield, Rodgers hailed his players' efforts and believes the replay at the Macron Stadium could be beneficial to the likes of Sturridge and others on their return from injury problems.
"I was pleased," he added. "Obviously you want to win but we've got players coming back from injury so that [the replay] gives them a chance to get some game time as well."
The enigmatic Italy international has been sidelined by a hamstring problem, but Rodgers confirmed that he is back to fitness.
Speaking at his post-match media conference, Rodgers added that fellow forwards Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini were selected ahead of Balotelli in Saturday's matchday squad on account of superior performances in training.
"If you can't press, you can't be a part of the team. It doesn't matter who the player is," he said.
"[It's] tough for Mario, obviously the team is doing very well. He probably sees the real Liverpool over these last six or seven weeks and he understands just what is required to get into the team.
"Of course, I'm judging it every day in training as well. Mario is exactly the same as every other player.
"There's no special treatment for anyone. If you're performing every day in training. Fabio Borini, Rickie Lambert, they're working tirelessly for me in training and when they go on they've contributed.
"I have to judge it on that. I've had a chat with Mario. He knows exactly what's required to be in this squad before he can be in the team.
Senegal need a point to reach the Africa Cup of Nations last eight, while Algeria must at least match Ghana's result to avoid elimination.
The two African heavyweights go head-to-head in Malabo on Tuesday, with all four teams in the pool still able to progress to the last eight.
After their opening-game win over South Africa, Algeria suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ghana and reports began to surface of altercations within the 23-man squad.
However, coach Gourcuff believes his players are fully focused on ensuring they do not fall at the group stages for a second successive tournament.
"It is certain that in a group, there is always something going on, but the relations are excellent and there is a great atmosphere," said the Frenchman.
"There is a lot of unity and solidarity and this is priceless. Now there are totally false things that are said here and there and I leave full responsibility to reviewers.
"We will address this game against Senegal without calculation and we'll do everything to win. We will have time to recover and prepare as it should be for this very important game for us."
Algeria are looking to make the quarter-finals for the ninth time, and will be keen to ditch the tag of 'nearly' men, having lifted the title only once in 15 attempts.
Their chances have been blighted by an injury to star striker Islam Slimani. The Sporting forward suffered a muscle problem against South Africa and was only able to play 34 minutes last time out.
With Slimani's fitness still in doubt, Gourcuff may opt to start Ishak Belfodil alongside Yacine Brahimi for a second game, although there may be a rare start for El Arbi Hillel Soudani.
Senegal currently sit top of the group with four points, but they know an early exit is still possible should they lose and Ghana beat South Africa.
Group C was highlighted as the toughest to escape from prior to the tournament, and with one game to go those predictions look accurate.
A point would be enough to guarantee a top-two finish for Alain Giresse's side, but he knows Senegal must play to win to avoid becoming an early casualty.