Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho is understood to have returned to training as he works to recover from an ankle injury which has kept him out of the game since late November.

The Brazilian was stretched off during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Sunderland on November 26 and a scan later confirmed that the player had sustained ligament damage.

Manager Jurgen Klopp hopes Coutinho will be available to face Manchester City on December 31 and the news that the midfielder has returned to training will come as major boost for the club.

Both Coutinho and Marko Grujic, who has also been sidelined through injury, were photographed on Monday in training kit, suggesting the pair had taken part in a light session.

Speaking last week, Klopp stated that Coutinho has been improving with each passing day.

"It would be cool (if he was available to face City),” he said.

“I won’t stop him. In this moment he is improving a lot.

“He is off his crutches since the West Ham game, when we left the stadium he was walking in front without them.

“We will have to see. No idea at the moment.

“I never rush a player back. I’m the most patient person in Liverpool. I always wait for someone. I can’t rush it.”

And the player himself added: “This is still my hope - to return for this game.

"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."

If Coutinho is available from the end of the year, Klopp will be able to navigate the absence of Sadio Mane in January, with the winger due to depart with the Senegal squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.