Adam Lallana could make early return to action against Aston Villa

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Adam Lallana has a chance of being included in the squad for Saturday's trip to Aston Villa.

The midfielder was expected to be out for a month after suffering a thigh injury during the Reds' 2-2 draw with Leicester City on New Year's Day.

However, Rodgers is hopeful that the England international will return to training tomorrow and if the Villa game is too early for Lallana, he will definitely be included in the Capital One Cup semi-final against Chelsea next Tuesday.

"He's ahead of schedule in terms of rehabilitation and we are hoping he can join the group tomorrow in training," Rodgers told reporters. "If he's not available for the weekend, he certainly will be for Chelsea.

"He's a wonderful technician and he links up very well with the players when he plays. He will only get better with time and as he progresses."

Liverpool have lost just once in their last nine league fixtures.