Can ruptured his ankle ligaments in the dramatic 4-3 Europa League quarter-final second-leg success against Borussia Dortmund on April 14, which sealed a thrilling 5-4 aggregate win, and was expected to be out for around a month.

The German midfielder joined in training with Jurgen Klopp's squad on Monday and now has three days to convince the Liverpool manager to plunge him straight back into the starting line-up.

But he was arguably the Reds' stand-out performer in a disappointing 3-1 reverse at the Liberty Stadium, scoring the visitors only goal - his first since early March - by heading home Sheyi Ojo's corner.

And Benteke hopes his positive outing can give him the chance to face Villarreal on Thursday.

"I am happy to have scored, obviously, but the main thing is the three points and unfortunately we did not get them," he said.

"But I am feeling good and I am going to work hard and fight until the end. Everyone wants to play in the game against Villarreal and we will be sharper and really focused for this important game."