Aquilani confident Reds can cope

Liverpool's three best outfield players, Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun, are all out injured for two, six and four weeks respectively. Aquilani admits their absence will be a big blow but says the rest of the squad must now step up and be counted.

"We don't think, 'We haven't got these players, we've lost already'. It is true they are among the best players in the world, but we have to be focused and try to play without them," said the Italian.

"It's very hard for us at the moment but we have to carry on, keep trying. The game this weekend is very, very important for us, and we have to do something to ensure we finish in the top four.

"This season is not going as well as we'd like but if we're focused we can play well. We have won the last two games in the league and now Stoke is important, very important.

"They have some difficult tactics like the long throws. The have tall players and get them in the box for free-kicks. It's important for us to remain focused if and when they use these tactics."