Defender set for early return

Liverpool's Slovakian defender Martin Skrtel is set for a surprise early return to first team action.

It was initially feared that the 25 year old would be out until the end of the season but he has made better progress than expected recovering from injury.

Skrtel broke a metatarsal bone in his foot against Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League back in February but there is a good chance that he may even be in contention to play against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final first leg next week.

In recent days, the protective boot protecting Skrtel's broken foot has been removed and the 25 year old has begun light training, in a view to a quick return to full fitness.

Skrtel has certainly had his fair share of long term injuries since arriving from Zenit St Petersburg in 2008 and will hope his latest setback will be his last for a long time.

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