Rodgers Confirms Injured Duo Are In Contention For Villa Return

Liverpool are set for a double injury boost in preparation for their match-up with Aston Villa this weekend with Joe Allen and Mamadou Sakho both getting back to full fitness.

The players have been out of action since the end of December - in Allen's case with a groin injury and Sakho's a hamstring problem - but are back in training this week and are believed to be ready for selection.

Brendan Rodgers said of the pair: "We've got Joe back. He's joined in training.

"We'll just wait and see how Mamadou Sakho is over the next day or two."

Liverpool owners John W Henry and Tom Werner are reportedly getting ready to fly to Merseyside for the match against Villa, who are currently 11th, five points above the drop zone and with both players back in action Rodgers will be expecting to take all three points.

Jon Flanagan is expected to miss the match as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury but Rodgers is hopeful that the youngster will be back to his best when they take on Bournemouth in the FA Cup next week.

Rodgers explained: "We're getting players back. Jon and Jose [Enrique] are out. As I said, we're looking better."

The England Under 21 international had been on a run of good form before his injury and will give the manager a much-needed boost in the backline as Jose Enrique continues to recover from injury.

Meanwhile another young player who has been on a run of good luck with Liverpool has been Raheem Sterling who has been given a regular opportunities with Rodgers since the turn of the year.

The 19 year old says he's improving every day as they mount a serious push for Champions League qualification and wants to repay the faith that Rodgers has shown in his abilities this season.

"I'm really enjoying having a run in the team; anyone playing for the club would love to have a run in the team," Sterling told Liverpoolfc.com.

"I've been given a chance, the manager has put faith in me and played me week in, week out so far. Hopefully I can produce on the pitch and carry on.

"I knew within myself that there would be a point in the season when I would get a chance. I just had to be ready.

"In training I was working hard to hopefully get a chance; the chance came and hopefully I can repay the manager by either scoring or assisting.

"Last season I looked at my game and I wasn't making the box enough. This season, all three of my goals have come within the box.

"I just need to keep making the box and the chances will come. Hopefully I'll get some more goals and add to my stats."