Emre Can returns to Liverpool squad for Villarreal test

Jurgen Klopp was handed a boost ahead of Liverpool's Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal on Thursday, as Emre Can has returned to fitness after almost a month out.

Klopp's regularly used the 22-year-old since the manager's appointment in October, but the midfielder suffered an ankle ligament injury in the competition's previous round and has missed Liverpool's last five outings.

"Emre Can is ready to return to the squad for sure, but the rest we have to see," Klopp said at Wednesday's press conference, then revealed the game will come too soon for captain Jordan Henderson.

"Hendo is in a good way - a good way for England, I am not too sure how good a way it is for Liverpool in this case because he has not been on the pitch yet."

Can is the only player who will progress from the treatment room to first-team contention as the Reds strive to overcome a 1-0 deficit at Anfield, but Divock Origi is hopeful that he can come back from his own ankle issue before the end of the season.

"My goal is to come back as soon as possible and I just want to go back on the pitch," the Belgian striker said. "I think it's possible but you never know."

Another forward Klopp hopes to welcome back before the 2015-16 season winds down is Danny Ings. He's been sidelined since the Merseyside derby in October - the final match under former manager Brendan Rodgers - with an ACL injury.

Should Liverpool overcome Villarreal in Thursday's reverse fixture, it will face either Sevilla or Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa League final staged in Basel on May 18.