Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is back in training - and could make a return to action before the end of the month.
Alisson has been absent since injuring his shoulder during a training ground collision at Melwood ahead of the trip to Aston Villa a fortnight ago.
Initial suggestions had indicated the Brazil international could be out for up to six weeks.
However, Alisson has already started work on individual sessions at Melwood involving diving and falling which the ECHO understands have been progressing well.
Liverpool are confident the player won't aggravate the problem, which hasn't required any surgery.
And there is now hope of Alisson being back available for the Premier League visit of West Ham United on Saturday week.
Speaking on Friday, Jurgen Klopp offered an upbeat medical bulletin to suggest the goalkeeper could return sooner than expected.
“Very, very positive with Ali,” said the Reds boss. “Looks really good. Made big steps. I don’t have a timeframe but it looks really good.”
With Alisson missing, Liverpool slumped to their heaviest defeat since 1963 when they were thumped 7-2 at Aston Villa.
Adrian again deputised in the 2-2 Merseyside derby draw at Everton on Saturday, and will continue between the sticks until Alisson is ready to return.
Liverpool are next in action on Wednesday when they open the Champions League group stage with a trip to Holland against Ajax.
