The Blues go to Anfield on Saturday looking to make amends following our 3-1 defeat to the Tricky Trees last time out, with McFarlane speaking to the media at Cobham on Thursday afternoon to provide the latest team news.

He started by confirming Reece James and Levi Colwill – who made his long-awaited return as a second-half substitute against Forest – could both be in contention to start against Arne Slot’s side, but stated that Derry and Sanchez will both miss out.

Our interim head coach also announced that Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho are both doubts going into the game.

‘We’ve got a few lads returning,’ McFarlane told the gathered media at Cobham.

‘Levi has trained a full week with us, and so has Reece, so it’s really positive with those two.

‘We’ve still got another session [before facing Liverpool], but both trained fully today and we’re hopeful [that they could start].

‘Pedro Neto and Garnacho are both carrying knocks and it’s unlikely that they will be available. While Rob won’t be available after the injury he sustained against Nottingham Forest.’

As mentioned, Derry will also miss out after being taken off on his first start with a heavy blow to the head following a clash with Forest defender Zach Abbott.

While the teenager is doing well following that collision, McFarlane did confirm the winger will miss the rest of the season. Our interim head coach, however, was pleased to hand him his first Premier League start and feels he showed in that opening half what he can bring to the team in the future.

‘The early signs with Jesse are very positive and I spoke to his dad [Shaun] after the Forest game,’ Calum explained.

‘I also spoke with his family yesterday. I don’t have all the details but all the early signs are really positive.

‘Jesse won’t be available for us now until the end of the season, which is an abrupt end for him, but he showed in that first half what he can bring to the team.

‘Of course, it’s disappointing for him [to see his season end] but as long as he’s healthy, that’s all that matters.

‘It was great to give him his first start. I’ve worked a lot with him in the Academy and I know how talented he is.’