Liverpool expect to have Daniel Sturridge back in action by "mid to late January". The striker hasn't played for his club since August - he's been sidelined by ongoing calf and thigh problems.
Sturridge is currently in the United States undergoing a rehabilitation programme on a thigh injury.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said: "He's coming back into the country in early January to finalise his rehab here. Hopefully at some point in January - the middle to end - he'll be available to play."
The news is a big boost for Liverpool. New arrivals Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert have been unable to fill the void left by the former Chelsea striker. Sturridge scored 21 Premier League goals last season for the Reds.
