Kelly and Borini recovering quicker than anticipated

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

Liverpool’s head of performance Glen Driscoll has told the club’s official website that both Martin Kelly and Fabio Borini are making better progress than expected from the injuries that have ruined their campaigns.

Kelly (pictured being treated) made the England Euro 2012 squad last season, but suffered a serious knee injury in an accidental collision with team-mate Glen Johnson during the Reds’ Premier League defeat to Manchester United in late September.

Driscoll believes Kelly will be fit for pre-season, and will return as a stronger player for his extended absence.

He said: “Martin is doing extremely well; he’s probably at the late stage of his rehab. 

“We’ll probably look to prioritise getting him back for pre-season 110 per cent fit - 10 per cent fitter, stronger and quicker, more powerful and agile than he was previously. 

“He’ll probably be in a position where it will be tempting to put him into games again this season, but it will show class and quality if we make sure that he’s in a very strong position so he can fly next season.”

Borini was a summer signing from AS Roma, but the 21-year-old has had two lengthy spells on the treatment table at Melwood.

His most recent setback came when he dislocated his shoulder in the Merseysiders’ 5-0 victory over Swansea in February.

After that match, Brendan Rodgers admitted the challenge from Kyle Bartley on the Italian would probably rule Borini out for the remainder of the season.

However, Driscoll is quietly optimistic that Borini might make a return to the first team before the campaign’s conclusion.

He added: “Borini was outside for the first time today (Thursday), so he’s starting that progression - passing balls, running and doing ball work. 

“At the moment, it’s looking pretty positive for Fabio that he could be back ahead of schedule and maybe make the end of the season.”

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