Coutinho had been in

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho is targeting a return to action against Manchester City on New Year's Eve.

Coutinho has been sidelined with an ankle injury that he picked up in the 2-0 win over Sunderland last month.

He wasn't expected to return to first-team action until next year but his recovery has accelerated and he has penciled in City's trip to Anfield on December 31.

Philippe Coutinho suffered a serious ankle injury in the 2-0 win over Sunderland last month

The Brazilian's right ankle was badly damaged after being clattered by Didier N‘Dong

Coutinho and N'Dong came into contact during the Premier League clash at Anfield

'This is still my hope - to return for this game,' he said.

'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.'

Coutino certainly looked in high spirits on Monday night. Brazilian team-mate Lucas Leiva uploaded a picture on Instagram of Coutinho alongside Roberto Firmino and Alberto Moreno.

Lucas Leiva (right) uploaded a picture of him, Coutinho, Alberto Moreno and Robero Firmino (left) to Instagram on Monday night

The Reds playmaker was left in obvious pain after the challenge last month

The Brazilian is hopeful of making Liverpool's clash against Manchester City on December 31

COUTINHO 2016-17 STATS Appearances: 13 Goals: 5 Assists: 5 Shots: 49 *Premier League stats only Advertisement

The Brazilian has been a key part to Liverpool's rise up the Premier League this season.

Before his injury he had scored five goals and set up five more as Jurgen Klopp's side made it to the top of the table early last month.

The 24-year-old has already missed two league games and is expected to be unavailable for three more ahead of the clash with City.

He admits that he knew he would be out for some time when he watched back the footage of him being clobbered by the boot of Didier N'Dong.

'Straight after the game, when I first saw the pictures and videos of my injury, I was a little scared,' he said.

He has scored five goals and assisted five more in the league this season

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'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.'

The Reds have dropped points in their last two games in the absence of Coutinho - losing to Bournemouth on the south coast and being held to a home draw by West Ham United.

But the 24-year-old is confident his teammates can bounce back in the coming fixtures without his assistance.

'Obviously I have been very frustrated, because like any player who is injured, it is tough to watch rather than play and help the team,' he added.