Liverpool FC's Xabi Alonso fit for Merseyside derby double

The midfielder required seven stitches in a cut to his right foot and concern was raised when he left Deepdale wearing a foot brace.

But Alonso was assessed at Melwood yesterday and, while there is extensive bruising to the foot, the Spaniard has suffered no fracture or ligament damage.

The 27-year-old's progress will continue to be monitored, but the news will come as a relief for Rafael Benitez, who has seen Alonso become an integral figure in Liverpool's quest to end their lengthy championship drought.

Benitez's side face a critical run of fixtures, following the Stoke game by entertaining neighbours Everton in the league and the FA Cup before travelling to Wigan Athletic and then hosting title rivals Chelsea.

Fernando Torres is in line to make his first start for Liverpool since November 26 on Saturday after successfully coming through his substitute appearance at Preston.

The Spain striker marked his return by netting in the final minute with a goal created by skipper Steven Gerrard.

And Torres has dedicated his goal to his team-mate, who had endured one of the most difficult weeks of his career going into the Cup tie.

"I was pleased to score for the team and for the fans because it guaranteed the result and took us into the next round," said Torres.

"I might have scored the goal but it was created by Stevie and I would like to dedicate my goal to him.

"He is our captain and he is also a great guy and he has helped me ever since I came to the club and moved to this area. Everyone at Liverpool is behind him."

Meanwhile, reserve team trio Adam Hammill, Craig Lindfield and Godwin Antwi have returned to Melwood after their respective loan spells at Blackpool, Bournemouth and Tranmere Rovers came to an end.

Goalkeeper David Martin has extended his loan spell with Leicester City until the end of the season, while midfielder Ryan Flynn will continue his loan spell with Wrexham for a second month.

However, Liverpool have agreed to sell teenage striker Marvin Pourie to Schalke. The 17-year-old moved to the Academy from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2007 but has not made the expected breakthrough.

Liverpool's scheduled reserve match against Sunderland last night was postponed due to a frozen pitch at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.

Sunday screening for FA Cup clash

THE FA CUP showdown between Liverpool and Everton has been selected for live television coverage.

The fourth-round tie will take place on Sunday, January 25 with a 4pm kick-off and will be televised live by Setanta.

As a result, Liverpool's Premier League visit to Wigan Athletic has been put back 24 hours to Wednesday, January 28 (kick-off 7.45pm).

Everton were already scheduled to play on that date, at home to Arsenal.

Ticket details for the first FA Cup meeting between the Merseyside rivals in 18 years will be announced today.

Surprisingly, ITV have chosen Manchester United's encounter with Tottenham Hotspur as the weekend's main tie, which will be televised at prime time on Saturday evening.

And after criticism of their poor coverage of giant-killings in the previous round, ITV have selected Hartlepool United, conquerors of Stoke City in the third round, against West Ham United to be shown at Saturday lunchtime.

Setanta's other live games are Derby County at home to Nottingham Forest on Friday night, and Cardiff City against Arsenal at Sunday lunchtime.