Liverpool should find out tomorrow if they can include Milan Baros in their squad as their appeal to the Department of Employment over a work permit for the Czech Republic international is scheduled to take place. Liverpool's original application was rejected because Baros, who cost £3.6million from Banik Ostrava, did not meet the necessary criteria, as he had not made enough full international appearances. However, Liverpool are hopeful that tomorrow's review will result in the striker being given permission to play in England.
In the meantime, Barros has been loaned back to Ostrava but if tomorrow's hearing goes according to plan, Liverpool could hand the 20-year-old his Premiership debut during the busy Christmas period. However, Liverpool already have four non-EU players in their squad and a Premiership club are only allowed to use three such players in any match day squad.
Meanwhile, striker Michael Owen is expected to be fit for Sunday's crunch clash with Arsenal at Anfield. Owen missed last Sunday's 4-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with a hamstring injury but he resumed training today and caretaker boss Phil Thompson today declared the England international will play against the Gunners.
"He has assured me he's going to be fit. Sunday was just a precaution. He was feeling something and because of Michael's history you don't want to be taking a chance. If you can get away with him missing one game instead of five it's obviously beneficial for the club," he explained.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
