Liverpool have delivered the news their fans are desperate to hear: Alisson is back in training.

And if he suffers no reaction to a week spent outside on grass doing specific goalkeeping drills, then he could return to first team action by the end of the month, if not before.

The keeper spent last week doing a specially tailored rehabilitation programme at the club’s Melwood training ground, while the rest of his team-mates not on international duty - Naby Keita apart - were given time off.

And after feeling no reaction to a calf injury suffered during the opening game of the new Premier League season, Alisson was given the green light to return to his usual training routines.

Reds goalkeeping coach John Achterberg explained: “In the last few days he has been out on the pitch to do some catching and footwork, as well as small passing drills.

(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

"He has made steady progress. It needs time and we cannot look too far ahead, so we take each day as it comes, see how he feels, and then make progress from that.”

Alisson was short on condition when he returned from a prolonged international break with Brazil in the summer, after lifting the Cop America on July 7.

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He suffered the calf injury in the opening game against Norwich, and there were fears he could be sidelined for several months.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

But the injury was assessed as a grade two tear, with the prognosis that he could be sidelined for around six weeks, and Alisson is now on course to return within that timeframe.

Achterberg is cautious about putting a set date on the keeper’s first team comeback, because of his need to build up fitness, but he revealed the Brazilian has been working hard to build up his condition.

“Ali has been working with Dave [Rydings] in the gym a lot to improve the strength and try to keep the fitness levels up.”

Boss Jurgen Klopp will not rush the keeper back though, after his stand in Adrian has adapted well to life at Anfield. And Achterberg said the Spanish veteran has done remarkably well to establish himself:

"We couldn’t be happier with how it’s gone. He is a really nice guy, he is always positive and good to talk to. He helps the other goalies by talking with them, so it’s going well. He fits in really well with the group, which is important.

"Coming to Liverpool , there are high expectations but he has dealt with them really well. He has stayed calm and relaxed and shown a positive, confident manner, which helps the team a lot."