Liverpool injury news: Martin Skrtel could be available for Manchester United clash after making successful comeback

Liverpool have been handed a major injury boost after Martin Skrtel made a successful comeback from injury with a 70-minute shift for the Liverpool U21 side against the Manchester United U21's on Friday (11 March). The game ended in a 1-1 draw despite both sides naming strong lineups with a number of first-team stars on show at Prenton Park.

The game, which was fresh from the senior sides' ferocious encounter at Anfield in the first leg of the Europa League last-16 clash, which Jurgen Klopp's men won 2-0, the second string side ended in a less eventful 1-1 draw. The Red Devils youngsters return to the summit of the U21 Premier League level on points with Sunderland, but hold a game in hand over the Black Cats with five games to play.

Skrtel's last time on the pitch was against Watford in the Premier League in December last year and his return from a hamstring injury will be a big boost for the German manager ahead of the final months of the campaign, that sees them well placed in the Europa League and closing in on the European places in the Premier League. The 31-year-old defender has been training with the squad and is likely to be available for the Merseyside club's trip to Old Trafford to take on Louis van Gaal's team in the second leg of the Europa League last-16 clashat Old Trafford on Thursday (17 March).

Apart from the Slovakian international, who was delighted to be back on the pitch, Jordon Ibe and Steven Caulker also featured in a strong line up. The duo have not been too involved with the first team squad since their return from injuries and will provide good options for the manager in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the Reds U21 coach Michael Beale believes they were the better side and was disappointed not have scored the second goal after going in front five minutes into the second half. He believes they had good opportunities to do so, but admitted that the final ball was lacking.