Philippe Coutinho has boosted Jurgen Klopp’s December plans by planning to return to action against Manchester City on December 31.

Coutinho damaged his ankle ligaments on November 26 during his side’s 2-0 win over Sunderland and was expected to be out of action until mid-January.

The Brazilian has now stepped up his recovery and wants to help the Reds when they face City on New Year’s Eve.

‘This is still my hope, to return for this game,’ he told Liverpool’s website. ‘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 admitted he feared the worst when the stretchers came out against Sunderland.

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

‘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.’

In Coutinho’s absence Liverpool have struggled without a win in three matches and now trail Chelsea by six points.

‘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 said. ‘The last game was a draw and not the result we wanted, but the team still has great quality and I am certain in the next game we will come back stronger.’

Liverpool face Middlesbrough on Wednesday with kick-off at 21:45.