Kuyt fit to face Sunderland

Dirk Kuyt has given Liverpool's preparations for tomorrow's trip to Sunderland a much-needed lift by declaring himself fit for duty.

The Holland international picked up an ankle injury during his country's trip to Australia last weekend and exacerbated the problem during the 0-0 draw in Sydney.
 
However, Kuyt has responded to treatment since returning to Melwood on Tuesday and he should keep his place in the starting line-up at the Stadium of Light.
 
That will come as a relief to boss Rafa Benitez, who has concerns over the fitness of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and who yesterday lost Sotirios Kyrgiakos for between four and six months.
 
Neither Gerrard - who had a scan on an adductor problem on Wednesday - or Torres trained at Melwood yesterday after returning from international duty but both will be given every chance to prove their wellbeing.
 
Similar sentiments apply to Argentine pair Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua, as well as Brazilian midfielder Lucas, who were not expected back at Melwood from South America until this afternoon.
 
The news, though, is not looking good for Kyrgiakos, who suffered a suspected rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament during Greece's 2-1 win over Luxembourg in Athens on Wednesday night.
 
Kyrgiakos was examined by Liverpool's medical staff at Melwood last night after arriving back from Greece but if scans realise the worst fears of both player and club, he could be out until March at the earliest.
 
That will leave Benitez short of experienced cover at the back but Andreas Dossena is determined to give his manager something to think about by forcing his way back into the fray.
 
The Italian defender has struggled to show his true form since arriving on Merseyside and was linked with a move away during the summer but he is adamant that he wants to stay and fight for his place.
 
"I want to play, but what is important for me is to work hard every day and be ready for when the boss calls on me," he said. "It's difficult, but I am a professional. I am a football player and sometimes you have to sit on the bench. That is part of my job.
 
"I want to work hard and keep a good mentality, which is important for all players, even those that play every game. You have to work hard and be ready.
 
"I have never said that I want to leave. I want to play, like every single other player, but I like it here and I like playing for Liverpool Football Club. The life here is perfect for me, the football is fantastic and I want to win something with Liverpool."
 
The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of Liverpool Football Club.