Brendan Rodgers is ready to unleash Jordan Ibe on the Barclays Premier League once more after his sparkling return to training. Ibe has been absent for the last six weeks after he damaged his knee ligaments during a Europa League tie against Besiktas in Istanbul. Before that, though, he had said he had been in outstanding after Rodgers had to thrust him into the spotlight. The young England international spent the first half of the season on loan at Derby County but he returned to Anfield in January and made an immediate impact, with a Man-of-the-Match performance in the Merseyside derby on February 6. Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe in action for Brendan Rodgers' side in the Europa League against Besiktas . Liverpool initially thought Ibe would be out for no longer than four weeks but they have been careful not to rush him; in recent weeks, however, his training has been to a high level and Rodgers will include him in his squad to face Newcastle on Monday. Liverpool’s manager said: ‘Young Jordon will come back in and I've got to say he's looked absolutely sensational in training. He's been out for a while but he's been a couple of weeks now out on the field doing his preparation work and he's joined in the training. ‘Absolutely outstanding, he’s looked. He's got real natural fitness and he'll come into the squad for Monday night.’ Ibe was awarded the Man-of-the-Match having performed magnificently in the Merseyside derby in February . Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers dishes out the instructions during training on Saturday . The 19-year-old (right) has done well since breaking into the Liverpool first team and is seen as a key member . There will not, though, be a return for Mario Balotelli. The striker has been sidelined for the last two games, first with a knee problem then with illness and Rodgers is planning for the game without the Italy striker. ‘We'll assess that over the next couple of days,’ said Rodgers. ‘He was injured against Arsenal and has been ill since the midweek and continues to be. We'll see over the next 24 hours.’ Liverpool have dropped off the pace in the race for a top four spot following back-to-back defeat against Manchester United and Arsenal but if Louis van Gaal’s side beat Manchester City and Rodgers sees his team beat Newcastle, there will be a glimmer of light. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard (centre) , who remains suspended, rides a challenge in training . The Liverpool players watch on as forward Raheem Sterling (right) looks to pass on possession . Liverpool duo Lucas Leiva (left) and Dejan Lovren (right) share a joke after a sprint exercise in training . Midfielder Joe Allen keeps hold of the ball under the attention of Dejan Lovren during the training session . Wednesday’s win over Blackburn in the FA Cup has lifted the atmosphere at Melwood and Rodgers has urged his players to focus on their job. ‘The performance and the result the other night puts us back on track again,’ said Rodgers. ‘Hopefully from that result we can build the momentum through until end of season. It was excellent performance and a good result in a tough tie. We’ll just take each game at a time now and really focus on the Newcastle. ‘The teams in there now have the advantage. You're looking at them slipping up and building momentum until the end of the season. It will be interesting watching it. But my sole intention is really to focus on Newcastle and getting the three points.’ Philippe Coutinho hit the winner as Liverpool advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals on Wednesday . Mario Balotelli remains sidelined with illness and will miss Monday's visit of Newcastle to Anfield . Mamadou Sakho (right) was forced off injured against Blackburn Rovers in Wednesday's FA Cup replay .
Liverpool host Newcastle in the Premier League on Monday evening . 19-year-old Jordon Ibe has returned to the squad after six weeks out . Ibe has impressed manager Brendan Rodgers in training .