Influential midfielder Philippe Coutinho was making encouraging progress from an ankle injury but will not be rushed back to boost Liverpool's Premier League title aspirations, manager Jurgen Klopp has said.
The 24-year-old Brazilian, who was initially expected to be out for five to six weeks, has been on the sidelines since sustaining the injury during the 2-0 win over Sunderland at Anfield last month.
'It would be cool. He is improving a lot,' Klopp told British media when asked if Coutinho could be back for the clash against Manchester City at Anfield on New Year's Eve.
'He is off his crutches since the West Ham United game (December 11), when we left the stadium he was walking in front without them.