Murphy set for Reds return

The 26-year-old England international has struggled to regain the form that saw him crowned player of the year last term, but his exit from an increasingly crowded Anfield medical room will be a boost to a manager in need of all his most trusted lieutenants.

Murphy, speaking to the club's official website, said: "I'm feeling fine. I'm two days into full training again. I've had no reaction to the injury, which is good, and hopefully I'm going to get a game in the reserves tomorrow night and be available for selection at the weekend.

"I've been lucky with injuries over the past few seasons to be honest and it's just part and parcel of football. It was bound to happen sometime so I can't really complain. It did come at a bad time but I'm fit now and looking ahead to getting back into the team."

Will Murphy's return make a difference?