Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge spoke of his delight after returning to full training after almost five months on the sidelines.
The 25-year-old, who has been out of action since August with a thigh problem, completed the full session with his teammates ahead Tuesday night's Capital One Cup quarter-final second-leg at Chelsea.
And he Tweeted: "First day of training today with the boys. I'm a happy man."
The England international has been sorely missed during Liverpool’s indifferent season so far but manager Brendan Rodgers suggested on Sunday he could be available for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
After the goalless FA Cup fourth round draw at home to Bolton, Rodgers said: "Daniel starts training tomorrow with the team.
"He's in his final rehabilitation with the medical and sports science guys today and joins in with the group from now. It's just about getting football and game fitness.
“We'll see how he is for Tuesday. If he's not ready for Tuesday then he'll be back, for sure, against West Ham next weekend.”
Sturridge's last appearance came in a 3-0 victory at Tottenham on August 31 after which he picked up a thigh problem during England's friendly against Norway on September 3.
The former Chelsea forward suffered a string of setbacks in his rehabilition but now appears to be edging closer to full fitness after gradually resuming training at the Reds' base at Melwood.
Liverpool and Chelsea fought out a 1-1 draw at Anfield in the first leg of the semi-final last week.
Chelsea v Liverpool, League Cup semi-final second-leg, Tuesday, Sky Sports 1HD, 7pm
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