Houllier facing stern test in Rome

Liverpool face their greatest test of strength and character in Rome on Thursday night when they take on the major power in Italian football with a squad cut virtually in half.

Manager Gerard Houllier counted 13 players who could be ruled out of the first leg of the UEFA Cup fourth-round tie against Serie A leaders Roma in the Olympic Stadium and said: 'At this moment, I don't know who we will have available for the game.'

England midfielder Steven Gerrard is a definite non-starter. He joins Jamie Red-knapp, Patrik Berger, Vegard Heggem and Pegguy Arphexad, who are all recovering from long-term injuries.

Danny Murphy is a week away from a comeback after missing the last three games with a knee problem and Igor Biscan is ineligible after appearing for Croatia Zagreb in Europe.

Jamie Carragher is further advanced in his recovery but Thursday's game could still be too soon for his return.

Emile Heskey, Nick Barmby and Vladimir Smicer all have ankle problems, while Sami Hyypia and Jurgen Nielsen, current cover for first-choice goalkeeper Sander Westerveld, are being treated for knocks.

Christian Ziege and Djimi Traore will be on the trip although they are short of match fitness.

Houllier said: 'Neither have had many games recently and Christian was suspended at Sunderland.

'This shows the importance of having a big squad. But we have the strength of character to overcome this sort of thing, as we showed again at Sunderland.'

Roma have their own injury worries with Francesco Totti doubtful with a calf strain while Brazilian defender Aldair and midfielder Christian Zanetti are also struggling.