Emre Can returns to Liverpool training despite fears he would miss season

Emre Can celebrates scoring during the Premier League game between Aston Villa and Liverpool on February 14, 2016
© Getty Images
Liverpool midfielder Emre Can returns to training ahead of Thursday's Europa League semi-final showdown against Villarreal.

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can has stepped up his recovery from ankle ligament damage after reportedly returning to training this week.

There were fears that the German international would miss the rest of the season after suffering the injury last month.

Can limped off the field in the second half of Liverpool's dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Can took part in a training session at Melwood on Monday, boosting his chances of returning to action in Thursday's must-win Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's side head into the showdown with a 1-0 deficit following last week's late defeat in Spain.

Jurgen Klopp larks about during the Premier League game between Swansea City and Liverpool on May 1, 2016
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CLeicester CityLeicester372311367353280
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs371913568303870
3Arsenal371911761362568
4Manchester CityMan City371981070403065
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd36189944311363
6Southampton371791155401560
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham361514761471459
8Liverpool3616101061481358
9Chelsea361212125751648
10Stoke CityStoke37139153954-1548
11Swansea CitySwansea371210154151-1046
12Everton361014125652444
13Watford36128163644-844
14Crystal Palace37119173847-942
15West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom371012153347-1442
16Bournemouth37119174464-2042
17Sunderland36811174360-1735
18Newcastle UnitedNewcastle37810193964-2534
19Norwich CityNorwich3687213562-2731
RAston Villa3738262772-4517