First-team coach Mike Marsh added that all players have returned from international duty ready to play for Brendan Rodgers’ side

Liverpool first-team coach Mike Marsh has confirmed that Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina will be back in contention to face Aston Villa on Sunday.

Carragher missed out when Brendan Rodgers’ squad travelled to Southampton earlier on this month, while Reina has been unavailable for selection for the last two games due to a calf complaint, but Marsh revealed both are now back in the fray.

“They’re both available for selection, so it’s a possibility,” Marsh told the club’s official website.

The first-team coach admitted that he was anxious over the fitness of Liverpool’s international stars in the past two weeks, and was thrilled that none have reported problems ahead of their return.

“I’ve got be honest, I’m watching the games and hoping that the players come back fit and well,” he added.

“Although you do want the players that are representing their country to get a positive result, I’m more concerned that when they come back to Melwood [Liverpool’s training complex] that they’re fit and ready to play at the weekend.

“We seem to have come through unscathed.”