Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole made his comeback from a hamstring injury on Monday afternoon, appearing and scoring for the Reds’ Under-21 side.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Lille, has been on the sidelines for six weeks after aggravating a hamstring strain during the Anfield club’s opening day clash with West Brom.

Cole suffered the hamstring strain during Brendan Rodgers’ first competitive game against FC Gomel in August, but worsened the injury after coming on as a substitute against the Baggies.

However, the attacking midfielder was able to complete 60 minutes of play for the Under-21s at the club’s academy in Kirkby, in which he opened the scoring to beat Fulham 3-0 on Monday.

The former Chelsea man has been able to step up his recovery and could challenge for a spot in the Europa League clash against Udinese on Thursday, with Rodgers looking to rotate his squad.

Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole made his comeback from a hamstring injury on Monday afternoon, appearing and scoring for the Reds’ Under-21 side.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Lille, has been on the sidelines for six weeks after aggravating a hamstring strain during the Anfield club’s opening day clash with West Brom.

Cole suffered the hamstring strain during Brendan Rodgers’ first competitive game against FC Gomel in August, but worsened the injury after coming on as a substitute against the Baggies.

However, the attacking midfielder was able to complete 60 minutes of play for the Under-21s at the club’s academy in Kirkby, in which he opened the scoring to beat Fulham 3-0 on Monday.

The former Chelsea man has been able to step up his recovery and could challenge for a spot in the Europa League clash against Udinese on Thursday, with Rodgers looking to rotate his squad.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says that it is too early to speculate on whether Nuri Sahin’s loan move from Real Madrid will become permanent.

The 24-year-old has started his season-long spell at Anfield in encouraging fashion, scoring three goals as the Reds posted victories over West Brom in the League Cup and Norwich City in the Premier League.

However, the Northern Irishman acknowledged that the player’s price and availability – should Jose Mourinho desire his return – will play a huge role in any possible deal.

“I don’t look beyond the loan period because there are lots of things which will determine whether [Sahin] ever came here [permanently],” Rodgers told reporters.

“One has to be availability. Jose may decide after one year playing he is really the type of player he wants around his squad.

“Two: He might not be affordable. Affordability is important as well. We’d all love Lionel Messi but whether you can afford him or he’s available is another thing.”

Rodgers also stated that, while the eventual decision may be out of his hands, the loan move can still be of great benefit to both club and player.

“All I can concentrate on is Sahin coming in here and helping him become the best player he can possibly be,” he added.

“If he finds he enjoys it here and he fits into the way we work, which I am sure he would do because he is a good guy and understands the game tactically and is prepared to fight for the club, then that is something come the end of the season we will talk about.

“But at this stage it is way too early. He is just starting to get up to speed fitness-wise but what he is is a real good guy and you have seen his performances.”