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Porto are waiting on a late fitness test for key defender Ivan Marcano ahead of their Champions league last 16 clash with Liverpool on Weednesady night.

Spaniard Marcano, 30, hasn't played since January 24 and only took part in limited training yesterday.

The Portuguese club, who went back to the top of the league this weekend, are desperate for him to make the game given his regular defensive partner, Brazilian Felipe, is suspended after being sent off in the last Champions league group game.

Top scorer Vincent Aboubakar is also not at 100% and also only took part in limited training yesterday although midfielder Andre Andre seems to be winning his battle for fitness.

Portuguese journalist Luís Rocha Rodrigues, from the zerozero.pt website, said: "All is not rosy for manager Sergio Conceicao, as he has further injury concerns regarding Aboubakar (main striker), Marcano (central defender) and André André (midfielder).

"Given that his defensive partner Felipe will miss the game having been sent off v Monaco in the last Champions League game, Marcano is the stand-out issue ahead of the Liverpool clash.

"If he isn't fit then the untried Yordan Osorio (signed in January) will be line for the biggest game of his career."

Venezuelan Osorio, 23, has not even started a game for Porto and was on the bench for their last two games. The pother option if Marcano didn't make it would be Mexican international Diego Reyes who has played 13 games this season having bene on loan at Espanyol last year

Porto remain in fine form despite missing their key midfielder Danilo for the past few games. The Brazilian will definitely miss the game at the Estadio do Dragao though should be back for the return at Anfield in three weeks' time.

Rodrigues added: "Danilo is obviously out injured, but his absence has actually allowed Sergio Oliveira to step up and impress.

(Image: (Photo credit should read MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP/Getty Images))

"The 25-year-old midfielder scored in an important league clash with Braga recently, and his form has soothed Porto fans' concerns about the loss of Danilo."

Liverpool will of course be without Emre Can who is also suspended for the first leg in Portugal.