Liverpool vs Stoke City: Kevin Stewart and Cameron Brannagan in contention for first-team recall

Liverpool midfield duo Kevin Stewart and Cameron Brannagan are on the verge of getting a recall to the Reds first-team for their clash against Stoke City on Sunday (10 April) owing to their current crisis. Jordan Henderson is sidelined with injury and Emre Can suspended for two games after picking up his tenth booking of the season during the 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on 2 April. The young duo could be called in to provide backup to Joe Allen and James Milner, who are likely to start against the Potters.

The Liverpool skipper is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging knee ligaments during the Merseyside club's 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the first-leg of the Europa League quarter-final clash. The German midfielder, on the other hand, is set to miss their clash against Mark Hughes' side and the game against Bournemouth next weekend.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Stewart and Brannagan, who have already made their first-team debuts this season, are set to rejoin the first-team after a short hiatus with the U21 set up. The duo have made five and six appearances under Jurgen Klopp this season after impressing him with their performances for the U21 side.

The former seems to have really caught the manager's eye with his performances as he was rewarded a new long-term deal, which he penned at the end of February, to keep at the club until the summer of 2020. Stewart, who recently returned to action following an ankle injury, is a defensive midfielder and can provide cover for Can during his absence. Brannagan, meanwhile, could deputise for Henderson, especially if the manager decides to rest Milner and Allen for their important second-leg clash against Dortmund on Thursday (14 April).