Liverpool are hopeful that midfielder Xabi Alonso will be fit for the FA Cup final after a scan revealed he had strained ankle ligaments on Sunday.

The 24-year-old appeared to twist his right ankle after landing awkwardly playing in the 3-1 win at Portsmouth. The Spanish midfielder was carried off on a stretcher in the first half at Fratton Park but later returned to the dug-out walking unaided. Rafael Benitez's team are already without the suspended Luis Garcia and Robbie Fowler, who is cup-tied.