Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho available for Blackburn clash following recovery from hip injury

Liverpool have reportedly been handed a boost after defender Mamadou Sakho returned to first-team training following his recovery from a hip injury that has seen him miss the Reds' last four games.

According to the Liverpool ECHO, the French defender could be available for the Anfield club's FA Cup clash against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.

It is believed that the defender, who missed Liverpool's victory over Manchester City, has taken part in a full training session with the first-team at their Melwood training complex on Friday.

On the other hand, skipper Steven Gerrard is yet to recover completely from the hamstring injury he sustained during the Merseyside club's victory over Tottenham last month.

The former Three Lions midfielder has reportedly been training away from the main group as he continues his rehabilitation with fitness coach Jordan Milsom.

It is believed that Gerrard, who will have to fight to earn his place in the team that has gone 12-games unbeaten in the Premier League, could make his return for Liverpool's clash against Swansea City on March 16.

Lucas Leiva, Jon Flanagan, Jose Enrique and Jordan Ibe still remain sidelined with injury and are unavailable for selection for the upcoming games.

Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers has been pleased with his side's recent form, which has seen them pick up 30 points from a possible 36 in the league.

However, the Northern Irishman is more pleased about the fact that the Reds have stopped conceding 'poor' goals. They have kept eight clean sheets in their last 15 games in all competitions and the manager believes it is the new style employed by his team that has allowed them to limit the number of opportunities given to their opponents.

"What's pleasing is that we've stopped conceding poor goals," Rodgers said, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.

"Our method of play is very much based on aggressive pressure and for that, you limit teams to not so many opportunities."

"We made too many mistakes earlier in the season but I think it's clear that there's a better balance to the team now. Players are comfortable in the team. With and without the ball, collectively we're much stronger," the Reds manager explained.