Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho is targeting a comeback for the Reds before the end of the calendar year and is hoping to be back in action in time for the crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City at Anfield on 31st December.
Coutinho has been absent ever since suffering ankle ligament damage against Sunderland in November, but his recovery progress has been good so far.
"This is still my hope - to return for this game," the Brazilian told the club's official website as he looked ahead in the fixture list towards City's visit to Merseyside.
Liverpool fans, staff and players all had their hearts in their mouths when Coutinho was stretchered from the field against Sunderland. He was later pictured going in and out of hospital on crutches, but already seems to be well on his way to recovery.
"The rehab is going really well. I can now walk without crutches and I am working well with the medical team. So I'm pleased with how I am recovering," the player explained.
"Straight after the game, when I first saw the pictures and videos of my injury, I was a little scared. But after the scans, of course it was bad, but not as bad as it could have been. I am happy, as it could have been a lot worse."
Coutinho's importance to Liverpool has been clear in his absence. Only a speculative Divock Origi cross-cum-shot broke the deadlock against Sunderland after losing the former Inter Milan player, while the Reds have sincefailed to close out games against Bournemouth and West Ham.
As such, Jurgen Klopp's team have fallen from the top of the Premier League standings to third and are now six points behind leaders Chelsea.
"Obviously I have been very frustrated, because like any player who is injured, it is tough to watch rather than play and help the team," Coutinho said.
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