Steaua Bucharest    v    Liverpool

Europa League Group KVenue: Steaua Arena Date: Thursday 2 December Kick-off: 1800 GMTCoverage: Live text commentary on BBC Sport website and live on ESPN.

Joe Cole is set to make his first appearance for five weeks in Liverpool's Europa League tie against Steaua Bucharest on Thursday.

The return of the England midfielder following a hamstring injury is a boost after a dislocated shoulder ruled out Jamie Carragher for three months.

Captain Steven Gerrard (hamstring) is also unavailable, with Liverpool expected to field a weakened side.

Dirk Kuyt, Raul Meireles and Fernando Torres have been rested.

Liverpool are unbeaten in European competition this season, so a draw on Thursday will put them through to the knockout stages of the competition with a match to spare.

Manager Roy Hodgson has named youngsters Danny Wilson, Daniel Pacheco and Nathan Eccleston in his squad and said this game is a chance for them to stake their claim for a more regular first-team place.

"I have faith in the young players and whatever happens on Thursday night I won't lose faith in them," said Hodgson.

"But it's an opportunity for them to force their way into my attention even more."

Provisional squad: Reina, Kelly, Wilson, Kyrgiakos, Aurelio, Lucas, Poulsen, Shelvey, Cole, Jovanovic, Babel, Jones, Konchesky, Skrtel, Eccleston, Ngog, Pacheco, Johnson.