Roy Hodgson's start to his career as Liverpool manager could be getting even tougher as injuries complicate his planning for tomorrow's English Premier League match against newly promoted Blackpool.

Hodgson could be without a specialist leftback at Anfield after Martin Kelly was hurt in Thursday's 0-0 Europa League draw at Utrecht.

With Paul Konchesky carrying a hamstring injury, Daniel Agger troubled by a groin injury and Fabio Aurelio still out with an Achilles problem, Hodgson's defence could be depleted as the team tries to add to its single win from six games so far.

“Kelly has got a slight problem with his knee so that could be another leftback out for us” Hodgson said. "I don't know how bad that is so we'll have to wait and see.

“On the positive side though, Steven Gerrard will be back and we'll be raring to go tomorrow”

With striker Fernando Torres struggling in front of goal, the return of captain Gerrard is a welcome boost to a team that has lost twice and has beaten only newly promoted West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.

Torres scored twice for Spain last month but his only goal for Liverpool was in the 1-0 win against the Baggies.

“We know he can do more, we expect more, he expects more,” Hodgson said. “But it's early in the season and we've got to be patient. You can't fault his workrate at the moment, he's just after that elusive goal.”

Liverpool could slip into the relegation zone if they fail to beat a Blackpool side one point ahead in the standings.

All four of the teams below - Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wigan, West Ham and Everton -have the chance to move above Liverpool this weekend.

Wolves host Wigan today, when Everton are at Birmingham and West Ham host Fulham.

Manchester United are at Sunderland, while Blackburn are at Stoke and Aston Villa at Tottenham.

Leaders Chelsea host third-place Arsenal in one of tomorrow's three matches, with midfielder Frank Lampard set to miss the match at Stamford Bridge because of a groin injury.

Lampard has recovered from hernia surgery but has since sustained a new injury.

Striker Didier Drogba was suspended for the midweek Champions League game against Marseille but is fit to face a team against which he has scored 12 goals in 10 appearances — including four in two wins last season.

Chelsea have five wins from their six matches and have 21 goals, with five from Drogba.

“It's a team I've done well against in certain games," Drogba said. "I hope this match resembles the last one we had against them.”

Also tomorrow, Manchester City host Newcastle.