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Liverpool have been offered a timely boost to their Champions League charge.

Boss Brendan Rodgers has been given the perfect pick-me-up to the Reds' growing top-four hopes with the return of four key players to first team action.

England star Glen Johnson, Brazilian Philippe Coutinho, new signing Aly Cissokho and Wales midfielder Joe Allen are all due back in training this week as the Reds prepare for a two-month Premier League programme that will define their ambition for the rest of the season.

Samba star Coutinho is seen as a crucial component in Liverpool’s system, and he is set for an early return after successfully undergoing surgery on a shoulder he damaged against Swansea in mid-September.

Likewise Johnson, who is already back in training, after being sidelined since limping out of the win over Manchester United at the start of last month.

The return of the influential duo couldn’t be better timed, with a tough run of games including Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham, City and Chelsea to come before the New Year.

All four players could even be vying for selection for this weekend’s visit to Newcastle, with Johnson and Cissokho back on the training ground and Coutinho well ahead of schedule.

(Image: REUTERS)

Allen is eager for a return after picking up an hamstring injury in August.

He said: “I’m almost there. The plan is a good few days [training] leading up to Newcastle and hopefully I’ll be available.”

France international Cissokho, a season-long loanee from Spanish side Valencia, lasted just 10 minutes of his home debut in the League Cup win over Notts County after picking up an ankle injury.

Rodgers confirned he is now ready to make an impact, along with the others.

“Aly has trained and he should be fine and fit for the Newcastle game, and likewise Joe. Glen’s out on the field and hopefully after the international break he’ll be ready to come back,” he said.

Coutinho is quite possibly the most important player though, as Liverpool look to maintain the flying start which has taken them to the top of the table.

The Brazilian said this week: “The surgery was a success, and I’ll be back soon.”