Liverpool full-back Jon Flanagan has been given the go-ahead to make his comeback into the Liverpool first-team.
The 22-year-old became a permanent fixture in Brendan Rodgers' side in 2013-14, deputising at left-back and contributing a number of impressive performances.
But a knee injury sustained in pre-season has meant Flanagan has not made a single senior appearane in a red shirt this season.
Earlier in March, the Academy graduate returned to full-training and enjoyed a 45-minute run out in the All-Star match held for charity last month.
But Flanagan was left fearing that he would need another operation, after scans revealed fluid on his knee and kept him out of contention for a behind-closed doors friendly at Melwood training ground this week.
After a meeting with surgeons, Flanagan has been given the all-clear to continue his rehabilitation as he looks to return to the first-team picture before the end of the campaign.
Now, the next step in Flanagan's recovery will be gaining enough sharpness to feature in an U21s game before the end of the season.
The local defender is out of contract later in the summer, having rejected a new deal from the club because of dissatisfaction with the offered wages. But Flanagan is expected to sign after Rodgers recently insisted Flanagan will be a part of his long-term plans.
"Hopefully Flanno’s contract will be sorted out," Rodgers said, speaking in a recent press conference.
"He is working his way back to fitness and when that happens I am sure the contract will get sorted out.
"He is a big part of the future here. He did remarkably well last year and showed he is player who can play for many years at this level."