Liverpool take on Aston Villa later today and the Brendan Rodgers gave the Reds a massive injury boost by informing that Adam Lallana could return to the side sooner than expected.
The England international limped off the field against Leicester City on New Years’ Day and subsequent reports suggested he would be out for a month. But the player has responded well to treatment and is expected to return to training on Friday. If he isn’t available for the game against Villa on Saturday, the Northern Irishman is sure he would be available for the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg clash against Chelsea on Tuesday.
a We are monitoring Adam,a said the Reds boss.
a He is ahead of schedule in terms of his rehab and we are hoping he can train tomorrow.
a If hea s not available for the weekend certainly against Chelsea he will be.a
Rodgers gave injury news on Glen Johnson, Joe Allen and long term absentee Jon Flanagan.
a Glen Johnson is back in training and wea ll see how he is after the session tomorrow, he hasna t been training long,a said Rodgers.
a Joe Allen should be back training in the next couple of days, but Jon Flanagan is still a wee bit of time away.a
Raheem Sterling was sent on a club planned break to Jamaica for about ten days. He didn’t participate in the Sunderland game as well as the match against AFC Wimbledon, both games the Reds managed to win. He has returned back to Merseyside. Daniel Sturridge meanwhile edges closer to fitness but he is unlikely to participate against the Villains. There have been rumors that he has an outside chance of making the bench, but these are rumors and it is likelier that the England striker would come in later this month
a Raheem is back in the squad, he is refreshed and ready to work,a added the Reds boss.
a Daniel is back and working well. Hea s not ready to play yet but in the near future he will be ready.
a Therea s no timeline on Daniel. But he is in the final stages now.a
Steven Gerrard was substituted at half time against Sunderland and his return for the game against Sunderland is also unlikely at the moment. He has been assessed before the game but the Reds boss would not want to rush anything.
a We will see after Friday if he is available for the Villa gamea , said Rodgers
Probable Line-up: Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Sakho; Markovic, Lucas, Henderson, Moreno; Coutinho, Sterling; Borini