Brendan Rodgers is confident his squad is nearing full strength as he offered updates on the fitness of several key members of the first team on Thursday afternoon.

The boss will check on the condition of a handful of players at the conclusion of Friday's training session to determine whether they can play a part in the weekend trip to Aston Villa.

Among those who'll be assessed are Adam Lallana - who is ahead of schedule in his comeback from a thigh injury - Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson, while Raheem Sterling returns to the fold after a short mid-season break.

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Rodgers also had details on the progress of Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen and Jon Flanagan in their respective rehabilitation programmes.

He told journalists at Melwood: "Raheem is back in the squad, which is good news. He's refreshed and ready to work.

"Glen Johnson has been back in training, so we'll see how he is in terms of availability. He's not been training for long, so we'll see how he is after the session tomorrow [Friday].

"We're monitoring the likes of Steven and Adam Lallana. Adam's been out for a little while, but he's on the field.

"We'll see by the end of play tomorrow [with Steven]. If not, then hopefully by the Chelsea game.

"Daniel Sturridge is back and working well. He's obviously not ready to play as of yet, but he's working well, so hopefully in the near future he'll be ready.

"Young Jon Flanagan is still a little bit of time off [from fitness] and Joe Allen should be back training with the group in the next couple of days.

"We're getting there in terms of injuries."

Expanding on Lallana's progress, Rodgers confirmed the midfielder should be back on the field much sooner than expected.

He said: "He was playing very, very well and has settled into the club very well.

"He's ahead of schedule in terms of his rehabilitation. We're hoping he can join the group tomorrow to train.

"If he's not available for the weekend, then certainly for Chelsea he will be.

"He's a wonderful technician; he's linked up with players when he's played and he will only get better as his time progresses here at the club."

Meanwhile, reporters quizzed Rodgers on whether any kind of timescale had been placed on Sturridge's return to action.

The striker is back at Melwood after undergoing treatment in the United States as he aims to take to the field for the first time since August 31.

The manager said: "Time will tell. We just want him fit and there's no timeline on that as such.

"He's working hard, he's back in the final stages of his rehab here at the club, but there is no time on it yet."