Sheffield United's next opponents Liverpool could be set for a boost - but not before Blades visit Anfield

Reports from the reigning Premier League champions’ Melwood training base suggest that Becker is already performing sessions which involve diving and falling despite supposedly being ruled-out for around a month-and-a-half a fortnight ago.

Despite impressing with his powers of recovery, Becker is unlikely to be risked when United visit Anfield on Saturday, with West Ham’s trip to the North-West being pencilled-in as a possible comeback date.

Adrian, previously of the Londoners, will continue to deputise for his team mate in the meantime.

Although Liverpool’s hopes of retaining their title were dealt another major blow when centre-half Virgil van Dijk suffered a serious injury during the recent Merseyside derby with Everton, United have injury issues of their own ahead of the fixture.

Defender Jack O’Connell, a lifelong Liverpool supporter, could miss the rest of the campaign after being forced to undergo knee surgery, while wing-back Max Lowe is also expected to be absent after suffering a suspected concussion during United’s draw with Fulham. John Fleck is also receiving treatment for a back complaint suffered on international duty with Scotland and faces another five weeks of treatment.

Given the doubts about Lowe’s involvement, former Liverpool full-back Jack Robinson is likely to face his ex-employers, with Enda Stevens reverting to his preferred wing-back role rather than being asked to continue in a more central role.

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