The Reds must fight to overcome the loss of their top scorer and captain Steven Gerrard when they travel to Wearside.
Both Torres and Gerrard have failed to recover from groin injuries picked up on international duty this week.
Kuyt, who also suffered an ankle problem while away with Holland in Australia, is fit to play, while Andriy Voronin and Ryan Babel could also be involved in an attacking role.
Liverpool will also be without Greek international Sotirios Kyrgiakos, who has a serious knee injury, while defender Daniel Agger is set for a return to the side following a back problem.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Skrtel, Dossena, Insua, Aurelio, Babel, Mascherano, Lucas, Riera, Benayoun, Kuyt, Voronin, Ngog, Plessis, Spearing, Cavalieri.
