Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers expects Daniel Sturridge to return to action before the end of January.
The England striker has not played since September because of a series of muscle problems and is currently in America receiving treatment.
Rodgers has revealed that the 25-year-old is scheduled to return to Anfield to continue his recovery shortly after the New Year, and could be back in first-team contention in the weeks following.
"He will be back here to finalise rehab in early January," he told reporters. "He should be back playing mid to late January."
Sturridge scored 21 goals in 29 Premier League appearances for Liverpool last season.
