The Argentina international, who has not played since the game against Crystal Palace in early February, has been named in the matchday group for the home clash with Everton tonight (Monday).
The defender has been training with his team-mates and worked with the Argentina squad during the recent international break.
Whiteside, who also played for Everton and scored a famous goal against them in the 1985 FA Cup final, was, like the South American, popular with supporters for his combative nature and aggression on the field.
Ahead of the Premier League contest between his former clubs, the Northern Irishman offered his backing to the centre-back, who could bring a new dimension to the Reds' play.