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Jon Flanagan is set to miss the rest of Liverpool’s festive schedule – but skipper Steven Gerrard is on track to make a comeback earlier than expected.

The 20-year-old full-back’s run of six successive Premier League starts has been ended by a hamstring injury.

Flanagan has been ruled out of today’s trip to Manchester City and is also expected to sit out the matches against Chelsea and Hull City.

“Jon had a tight hamstring going into the game against Cardiff last weekend and as it got worse we had to take him off,” said boss Brendan Rodgers.

In pictures: Reds beat Cardiff at Anfield

“It looks like he will be out for a number of weeks with a strain. It’s a blow because Jon has been brilliant for us since he came into the side.

“It leaves me with 17 players going into the busiest schedule of the season. That’s not ideal but it gives a chance for players who have been on the outside to come in and contribute.”

Rodgers feared he would be without Gerrard for up to six weeks after the midfielder pulled up with a hamstring injury against West Ham earlier this month.

However, three weeks on the 33-year-old is making good progress and he should be back in full training early in the new year.

“Steven is working very well with the staff,” Rodgers added.

“He’s already back running and kicking a ball. Hopefully in the next week to 10 days we’ll have him back training with us fully.”

In the absence of Flanagan, Glen Johnson is likely to start at left-back against Man City with either Martin Kelly or Kolo Toure at right-back.