Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho sends message to Anthony Joshua

Mamadou Sakho could easily pass as a heavyweight boxer with his broad but lean frame.

The Liverpool star is back in first-team contention after Jurgen Klopp confirmed that the France international has recovered from a knee injury.

Sakho is unlikely to feature against West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on Sunday afternoon as the French defender looks to break up the partnership between Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel.

And the 25-year-old was drawing inspiration from the new British and Commonwealth heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua after the Olympic champion knocked out Dillian Whyte at The O2 on Saturday night.

Felicitations Congrats 👍🏿 @anthonyfjoshua !!! pic.twitter.com/Y9O2DdzoQ0

— Mamadou Sakho (@mamadousakho3) December 12, 2015

The Liverpool centre-half suffered his knee injury after he landed awkwardly during the Merseyside outfit’s 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace at Anfield in November.

More: Sturridge draws inspiration from McGregor

Sakho had established himself as a first-choice player under new Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, but Lovren has since filled the void left by the former Paris Saint-Germain defender.

The France defender joined Liverpool from PSG in a £16m deal in 2013.