Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has admitted that he is targeting a return to action as soon as possible after being told that his knee injury is not as bad as first feared.

It had been predicted that Sakho would face a long-term layoff after landing awkwardly against Crystal Palace on November 8, but the French international could now return in the New Year after receiving positive news from the club's medical staff.

The 25-year-old told the club's official website: "I'm very happy because I think it's good news. Everyone thought I had a big injury for a long time.

"But, thank God, I think it will be between four and six weeks. We will see the evolution. Now I feel much better, I work and I hope I will come back as soon as possible.

"For me, it's not difficult. I take my injury like that because I can change nothing. I know which way I have to go, which road I have to take. I have the objective to come back as soon as possible, as strong as possible. When I come back I will try to give my best like before."

Sakho has played 11 times in all competitions for Liverpool this season.