Mario Balotelli could return in time for Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa, but Adam Lallana will almost certainly be absent.

The Italian international has missed the Reds' last four games through injuries and illness, but has returned to training and could play some part at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Balotelli's return will be welcome news to Brendan Rodgers, who may have to take on Daniel Sturridge who missed the Reds' 2-0 win against Newcastle earlier in the week with a hip injury.

But Lallana, whose contributions have been interrupted by a niggling groin injury over the last few weeks, will miss the clash against Tim Sherwood's rejuvenated Villains.

The 26-year-old is only taking part in light training during his rehabilitation and is unlikely to have enough match fitness to be available.

Balotelli, meanwhile, has not played since February. He started in Liverpool's Europa League elimination at Besiktas, but has not featured since - taking to Instagram after the FA Cup win at Blackburn Rovers to post a picture of himself with a thermometer reading a temperature of 38.7 celsius after missing yet another game through illness. 

But the Italian may find himself with a few more opportunities to save his Anfield career in the final games of the season, with the Reds chasing Balotelli's former employers Manchester City for fourth and fighting for an FA Cup final spot.

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About the author
Charlie Malam
Digital Sports Writer at the Daily Express. First-class Staffordshire University Sports Journalism graduate. Formerly VAVEL UK's Liverpool FC editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Contributor since June 2014.