Christian Benteke Injury: Updates on Liverpool Striker's Knee and Return

Liverpool's Christian Benteke picked up a knee injury while on international duty with Belgium on March 25. However, he is now available for competitive action.

Continue for updates.

---

Benteke Returns vs. Villarreal

Thursday, April 28

Benteke was named on the bench for Liverpool's UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg in Spain and entered the match as injury time ticked over.

---

Klopp Comments on Benteke's Availability

Wednesday, April 27

"If we need him we can use him [against Villarreal]. That's good," said Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, per Paul Joyce of the Express.

---

Reds Yet to See Best of Benteke

With Danny Ings and Divock Origi sidelined and Daniel Sturridge unreliable when it comes to fitness, any injury suffered by Benteke represents a concern for the Reds.

The former Aston Villa man returned to Anfield having recently complained about his lack of game time under Klopp in an interview with Sport/Foot Magazine (h/t Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo):

"

I played two full matches in a row since Klopp [arrived]. I went up against Leicester [City], I scored, I followed up with a game and a goal at Sunderland, and then we lost to West Ham [United]. Since then I have been discarded.

Even my father was annoyed at first by my status as a reserve and told me that I can do nothing. I spoke with Eden [Hazard] and Marouane [Fellaini], they all gave me the same answer—when a coach does not count on you, you cannot change anything.

The thing that is annoying is that I had prepared to transfer to Liverpool. I never would have signed if I had not been the priority of the coach.

"

He should have the opportunity to clear the air—if he wants to.

While Benteke has struggled at times during his first season at Anfield—he has only netted seven goals in 25 Premier League appearances, per WhoScored.com—he is still one of the Reds' most experienced strikers and could be vital in the run-in.

He is a forceful presence in aerial duels and could provide a foil for the Reds’ intricate attacking midfield men to feed off.

Benteke cost a lot of money to prise away from Villa, and he needs to turn in more consistent performances to justify the £32.5 million spend.

Given Liverpool's dearth of fit and reliable strikers, Klopp will surely be hoping the Belgium international returns with his mind fully focused on earning his spot in the team.