Liverpool attacker close to full fitness - report
By Coral Barry
Christian Benteke is close to a return to the Liverpool squad after a lengthy injury absence, according to Belgium football expert Kristof Terreur.
The striker, who has not featured for Liverpool since 20 March, suffered a knee injury during the last international break and has watched from the sidelines as Divock Origi has firmly established himself as Jurgen Klopp's number one frontman.
His fellow Belgian scored in both legs of the extraordinary Europa League quarter-final triumph over Borussia Dortmund and was again on the scoresheet during the 4-0 rout against local rivals Everton on Wednesday night.
However, Terreur has revealed on his personal Twitter account that Benteke is edging towards full fitness following the Everton demolition on Wednesday night.
The journalist works for Belgian publication HLN following the country's man Premier League-based stars and expects Benteke to be back in a Liverpool shirt sooner rather than later.
The former Aston Villa striker had been ruled out for at least a month, although he has been barely missed as Liverpool have secured a series of memorable wins with some outstanding performances.
However, Benteke's return could come at the perfect time after some shattering Liverpool injury news with Origi set for a spell on the sidelines after being stretched off in the second half of the victory over Everton.
Benteke has struggled to live up to his £32.5million price tag since moving from Aston Villa in the summer and has tumbled down the striking pecking order under Klopp.
The 25-year-old has managed just eight goals in all competitions this season.