Liverpool are confident Mario Balotelli will be fit to face Crystal Palace next weekend with the Italian’s hamstring injury not as bad as feared.
Balotelli was sent home from international duty with Italy with the problem, suffered in training on Friday.
Balotelli missed out on Italy’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Croatia on Sunday, and was also ruled out of their friendly against Albania on Tuesday night.
Liverpool have been encouraged by initial medical reports and Balotelli is expected to be fit for Sunday’s game at Selhurst Park.
The news will come as a big boost from Brendan Rodgers , who may also have Daniel Sturridge available for the first time since late August.
Sturridge has missed the last 14 games thanks to a combination of injuries but has returned to full training at Melwood in the last week and is in-line to make a much awaited return.