Liverpool coach Mike Marsh has revealed that midfielder Lucas Leiva could return to action against Southampton this weekend.
The Brazil international has been out of contention for manager Brendan Rodgers's side since August after suffering a thigh problem.
"Lucas came back and played an hour last week in an U21 fixture so he could be available sooner rather than later," Marsh told the club's official website.
"Everyone is looking forward to welcoming him back and getting him on the pitch in a first-team shirt. He's not far away at all. If he gets a good week in training while we're away in London, he won't be far away from being included in the next game or two."
Lucas was absent for the majority of last season after picking up a cruciate ligament injury in the early stages of the campaign.
