Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho is slowly getting back to full fitness after a lengthy absence, the club's under-23 manager Michael Beale has said.
Sakho made his third appearance for the U23s when he played the full 90 minutes in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
Sakho has fallen down the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp. The French centre-half was sent home from the preseason tour to the United States for disciplinary reasons and went against the club's wishes when he rejected a number of opportunities to leave on loan in the summer.
He last played a competitive fixture for the first team in April, but Beale said the 26-year-old was sharp in Tuesday's game.
"I thought Mama looked strong," he told the Liverpool Echo. "United were always looking for their No. 9 and his aerial threat, but Mama showed his experience.
"He was a good guide for young Tiago Ilori alongside him, who seems to be in fine form too at the moment. I am pleased to have them both as part of our team. They give us a platform to play.
"Mama is training with us and working hard every day. That's the closest he's looked to full fitness. I couple more games like that and we'll see what happens from there."
Striker Danny Ings also featured on Tuesday and continued to impress as he looks to force his way into Klopp's plans.
"He's a nuisance for defenders," Beale added. "He never stops running, he fights for every ball.
"He hit the post and was very unlucky not to score. He has scored a hatful of goals for us in recent matches, and we've been delighted with him."