Matt Beard offers Melissa Lawley injury update and outlines Liverpool transfer plan

Liverpool boss Matt Beard has confirmed winger Melissa Lawley is "ahead of schedule" in her recovery from a hip injury and could make a return to action in October.

Lawley was a standout performer for the Reds last term before her season was cut short by a hip problem. Beard said in April the forward would be out for around six months and would require an operation to rectify the issue.

Having successfully undergone surgery, Lawley is now continuing her rehabilitation at the AXA training centre and could be in line to resume team training shortly after the season gets underway on October 1. "I have some good news on Mel, who is progressing really well after her hip injury," Beard told liverpoolfc.com.

"Mel is a month ahead of schedule and she will probably be back around October time, which is great news." While Liverpool's ranks could soon be bolstered by Lawley's return, a number of other players are still nursing knocks ahead of the new campaign.

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Striker Leanne Kiernan, who missed most of last season with an ankle injury, is recovering from an injury sustained on international duty, while Shanice van de Sanden and Jasmine Matthews will also miss Liverpool's upcoming trip to France, where the Reds will ramp up their pre-season preparations in the AMOS Women’s French Cup.

And, while Liverpool have already made six new signings this summer, Beard is hopeful of making one more new addition to his squad before the season gets underway.

"During the close season we have signed six players in Natasha Flint, Jenna Clark, Mia Enderby, Teagan Micah, Grace Fisk and Marie