Tom Cleverley could return against Liverpool

Tom Cleverley has been out since October with an ankle injury (Getty Images)

Manchester United's Tom Cleverley is challenging for a return to the side for tomorrow's match against Liverpool, while Luis Nani is a doubt.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who has declared that Cleverley is "probably the best midfielder in Britain," seems more likely to have him on the bench. The midfielder trained yesterday but Ferguson would have liked to get him back in a reserves match with Chelsea on Monday night, though the weather put paid to that.

Ferguson is still short defensively. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are likely to be ready for next week's visit to Ajax, where United begin their Europa League campaign, but they are unlikely to be risked against Liverpool. Nani's absence suggests the foot injury he sustained at Arsenal last month may be serious, though Ferguson has dampened suggestions the Portuguese may be out for two months.

The Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish, has sought to ease any tensions in the build-up. "I'm sure people will want to talk about Luis Suarez, but he accepted his ban, served his suspension and returned. It's time for all of us to draw a line," he said.

"People are already speculating on the pre-match ceremony, but from Luis's point of view we have spoken to him and I know he will shake the hand of Patrice Evra and the other Manchester United players."