Liverpool have been given a pre-Merseyside derby boost with Daniel Sturridge's return to training, but the chances of captain Jordan Henderson making the visit of Everton on Saturday are unlikely.
Sturridge has not featured since Feb. 4 because of a virus, which forced him to be sent home from a training camp in Spain last month, and then a hip injury, which meant he missed the club's trip to Tenerife last week.
However, the England international was pictured taking part in an outdoor session at the club's Melwood training ground on Thursday to raise hopes of him making the squad for the 228th Merseyside derby.
�� PHOTO | Look who was in training today! Daniel Sturridge is back pic.twitter.com/zteN1liVbR
- LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) March 30, 2017
Henderson's prospects are less encouraging, though. The Liverpool captain has not played since the Feb. 11 victory over Tottenham because of a foot problem.
Although he did travel to Tenerife with the squad, his involvement was limited and Press Association Sport reports he is highly unlikely to be ready to face Liverpool's neighbours in the lunchtime kickoff.
Brazil internationals Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino returned home reporting no problems after the club chartered a private jet to bring back the pair immediately after the World Cup qualifying win over Paraguay.
Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has yet to be on the losing side in seven Merseyside derbies and says he enjoys the hostility of the occasion.
The Belgium international has conceded just one goal in the last three home games against Everton, whose last win in the fixture came at Goodison Park in October 2010.
"It's always a bit hostile, but like in any other derby game that's something you relish -- two groups of fans who are cheering their team on,'' he told Liverpool's official website.
"It's a bit special, of course, in Liverpool because in some families you have got both Everton and Liverpool supporters. Although it's a derby I don't think there is so much hatred between the two clubs.
"In the time I've been here, we've always had great results against Everton at home. It's always a big fixture to look forward to. On the day itself, it's nice to be part of it. It is pretty special.''
Liverpool plan to honour the memory of Ronnie Moran at the weekend. The former captain, coach and caretaker manager died aged 83 last week and among the tributes will be a mural on the Kop at Anfield.