Liverpool are hoping Sterling will soon sign a contract extension and manager Brendan Rodgers says the player has been offered a "wonderful deal".
Rodgers will also be without Lucas this evening due to a thigh injury but Adam Lallana could return and Philippe Coutinho should be available after shaking off a knock.
And Sterling's absence means that Daniel Sturridge could start, having made a pair of appearances off the bench since returning from a lengthy injury lay-off.