Agger set to return against Sunderland

Daniel Agger

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is all set to make his return against Sunderland on Sunday after struggling for a month due to a rib injury.

Agger, who played 57 minutes against Southampton last week had to sit out of the Capital One Cup match against Manchester United.

“We hope that Daniel Agger will come back into the reckoning. He’s trained over the last couple of days,” said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

Liverpool have suffered an injury blow to their defense after right-back Glen Johnson and left-back Aly Cissokho picked up injuries along with a groin strain to Kolo Toure, thus, forcing Rodgers to give Martin Skrtel a run at centre-back.

“It was one where before, Martin was maybe a marker, in terms of that one versus one defending, and getting right up against people. He’s really strong and competitive. And the way we wanted to play, it’s about finding that balance between being aggressive and reading the game, and also the ability to play,” said Rodgers when asked about Skrtel.

“I think he’s shown that he’s a terrific player. That was never in doubt. We needed other characteristics in the team. He’s come into the side and since the Man United game has done very well. I hope that will continue,” he added.