Dirk Kuyt could hand Liverpool an injury boost by returning to action against Chelsea next weekend.

Striker making 'incredible progress' with injury

Doubtful

Dirk Kuyt could hand Liverpool an injury boost by returning to action against Chelsea next weekend. Holland international Kuyt was expected to be sidelined for a month after sustaining an ankle problem with the Netherlands earlier this month. However, Kuyt is making a quicker than expected recovery and Reds boss Roy Hodgson has pencilled him in for a return for the visit of Chelsea on 7th November. "Dirk Kuyt is making incredible progress," Hodgson told the club's. "He shouldn't be as far advanced as he is with his ankle but he's looking good. I don't think he'll be fit for the weekend but maybe the weekend after."Meanwhile, Glen Johnson remains a doubt for Sunday's clash at Bolton with a thigh problem which has ruled him out of the last three games. "With Glen Johnson it's one of those things that will be touch and go for the weekend," added Hodgson. "He's making strides but he's not 100 per cent." Hodgson also received positive news on Ryan Babel's fitness after he picked up a rib injury in a reserve outing against Huddersfield earlier this week. It was feared the Dutchman faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines after he was forced off, but scans have shown no serious damage. "Ryan got a nasty knock in the friendly match with Huddersfield, which is unfortunate," continued Hodgson. "A player landed on him and his knee went into Ryan's ribs. Fortunately nothing is broken or cracked. That's good news but it's still a painful blow. "It's a question of how quickly the pain subsides and whether he can tolerate it. It's not a major injury but it might take a couple of days."