Luis Diaz has made a significant step in his recovery from injury, and could be available for Liverpool's clash against Manchester City, according to reports.
Jurgen Klopp's side travel to the Etihad on Saturday in their bid to finish inside the Champions League places, having endured a tumultuous season in Merseyside.
The Reds suffered a heavy 6-2 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid which saw them eliminated from the Champions League at the round of 16.
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While they crashed out of both domestic cup competitions, leaving supporters with a sour taste following a trophy-laden campaign last year.
The additions of Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez have helped add firepower to the team's front line.
However, Liverpool's' inconsistency was incapsulated in a period which saw them thrash Manchester United 7-0, before losing to relegation threatened Bournemouth 1-0 less than a week later.
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The club are currently languishing in sixth place in the Premier League table, as they plot a late surge to finish inside the top four.
To help bolster their attack, Diaz is reportedly close to a full return after suffering a knee injury back in October.
Diaz in contention for Man City clash
Diaz has been sidelined for over six months and managed just over 600 minutes of Premier League football all season.
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However, respected journalist Chris Bascombe told The Telegraph Diaz was 'taking a significant step in his comeback during the international break'.
The Colombian is said to have spent last week training with the club’s academy players in anticipation of rejoining the first team ahead of this weekend’s trip to Manchester City. Whilst he is expected to begin full training over the next few days.
The report added: 'If those sessions go to plan there is a chance the 26-year-old will be part of the travelling squad against the champions'.
Whilst Bascombe admitted the fixture may come too soon for Diaz, his return to fitness will come as a major boost to supporters and help ease the workload on Liverpool's attackers.
Topics: Liverpool, Luis Diaz, Premier League, Football, Jurgen Klopp