Virgil van Dijk and Roberto Firmino have reportedly returned to training as the pair step up their recovery from their respective injuries.

Liverpool have been unable to match the high standards set by previous seasons, and they currently face an uphill struggle to try to qualify for the Champions League.

The Reds currently sit in ninth place in the Premier League table, and although they have a game in hand over fourth-placed Manchester United, they are 10 points adrift of their rivals.

They were also eliminated from the FA Cup last weekend, losing 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion, and their current plight has not been helped by a number of injury issues.

Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are both sidelined with calf and knee problems respectively, while Arthur Melo has also struggled with injury since arriving on loan from Juventus last summer.

Liverpool have recently received another injury blow following the news that Ibrahima Konate could miss the next four matches with a hamstring injury.

Van Dijk and Firmino have also been in the treatment room, but according to The Mirror, the pair have returned to training.

The Netherlands international has been out of action with a hamstring injury, which forced him off at half time of Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Brentford on January 2.

Meanwhile, Firmino has not featured for Jurgen Klopp's side since the World Cup break due to a calf injury.

Although the pair are still training away from the main group, the latest news will certainly come as a boost to Klopp and his staff.

Firmino and Van Dijk are not expected to be involved in Saturday's home Premier League meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Liverpool will be hoping that the pair can return for an important run of fixtures, beginning with next week's Merseyside derby.

With his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, Firmino is also on the verge of signing a new contract.

The Brazilian is believed to be close to agreeing a two-year extension until June 2025. body check tags ::