Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has suggested that striker Darren Bent could play in his side's Premier League encounter against Liverpool this Sunday.

The 29-year-old has been sidelined for the Midlands outfit since mid-February after suffering a problem in training, which was then followed by an illness.

Lambert has confirmed that the striker, who was once linked with a switch to Liverpool, has returned to first-team training.

"Benty is back training," Lambert told Sky Sports News. "He had a little flu bug there for the last few days but I think he is okay.

"He trained Wednesday morning, so he is back. He got a kick, one of the lads caught his foot. It was a bit tender to kick the ball but it could have been worse. He is okay now."

Villa are currently three points away from relegation.