Liverpool striker Andy Carroll a doubt for Newcastle reunion

Carroll could come up against his former club for the first time since joining Liverpool (AFP/Getty)

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll will be given every chance to prove his fitness ahead of Sunday's visit of former club Newcastle but the identity of the opposition will not cloud manager Kenny Dalglish's assessment of the situation.

The Reds' £35million record signing missed the 5-0 win over Birmingham with a knee injury but will be keen to recover in time to face his hometown club - whom he left in January - at Anfield this weekend.

Dalglish was guarded on the England international's current state of fitness but stressed they would not take a risk if he was not 100%.

"It's only Thursday and there's a few days to go yet," said the Scot.

"I don't think nature knows it is Newcastle so if he's not fit, he's not fit.

"For Andy it is a poignant game but if he's not fit we can't do anything about that."