Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has set his sights on making his return from an ankle injury in the Premier League match against Manchester City on Dec. 31.

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.

"This is still my hope - to return for this game (against Manchester City)," Coutinho told the club's website.

Liverpool have dropped points in their last two games, losing at Bournemouth and being held to a home draw by West Ham United on Sunday to slip six points behind leaders Chelsea.

View more!

"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," Coutinho added.

"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."

Klopp may be forced into the January transfer window if injuries do not clear up credit: Rex

Liverpool, third in the table, travel to 16th-placed Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

Klopp, speaking ahead of that game, suggested he may be forced into the transfer market.

"The winter transfer market is the most difficult. We are always looking," he explained.

"If you look at our bench, we're very experienced in defence, and not offence. If the situation stays like this it is clear we have open eyes."