State of Illinois work comp claim.

im coming on 5 years being out of work is there a time limit i can be out that the employer does not have to take you back? yes i was injured on the job and i want to return to job. just wondering if lawyer is trying to delay so the time limit is up on returning to work.
please help with this one.... i just want to go back to work im to young to retire or perm disability. im 44 yrs old