Liverpool FC Women players Jess Clarke and Jemma Purfield have successfully begun rehabilitation programmes after suffering knee injuries.

Clarke, 30, and Purfield, 22, both underwent procedures last week and are now working with the club’s medical staff towards a return early in the New Year.

Club doctor Phil Clelland said: “Jess is recovering well after sustaining a knee injury and we hope to see her back at the start of next year.

“Jemma is also doing well and we hope to have her back in mid-January.”

Ellie Fletcher, 20, has also temporarily returned to the Reds from her loan spell at Sheffield United to have a knee injury assessed.

Dr Clelland added: “She’s currently under assessment by the medical team but it’s likely she won’t be fit until early next year.”