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Liverpool FC have been handed a welcome fitness boost with the news that Mamadou Sakho is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The French defender suffered the problem in the defeat to Chelsea on December 29, and it had initially been feared that he could be out of action for up to six weeks.

Sakho, though, has responded well to treatment, and has been back at Melwood this week working closely with the Reds' medical team.

The 23-year-old could even be in contention for Sunday's Premier League trip to Stoke City, though no decision will be taken on that score until later in the week.

With Daniel Agger struggling with a calf problem – Liverpool are still awaiting the results of a scan on that injury – Sakho's imminent return will come at a good time for Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.

And there is more good news for Rodgers, with Daniel Sturridge also in with a chance of featuring at Stoke. The England striker, too, has been back at Melwood, working with head of performance Glen Driscoll. He is expected to resume full training ahead of the weekend, assuming there is no adverse reaction.

Sturridge, who has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season, has been sidelined since late November after suffering an ankle injury in training, but had always targeted the trip to the Britannia as a potential return date.

Rodgers, though, is aware of the need to manage the front man's fitness carefully. If he does figure at Stoke, it is likely to be from the bench.

Elsewhere, Glen Johnson should be fit to return to the side after missing the FA Cup win over Oldham last weekend with a minor ankle knock.

Joe Allen's adductor strain is likely to keep him out, though both he and Jon Flanagan, who has a hamstring problem, should be available for the home game against Aston Villa a week on Saturday.

Jose Enrique, however, remains sidelined with a knee injury.