Premier League: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho hopes to recover in time for Manchester City clash

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has set his sights on making his return from an ankle injury in the Premier League match against Manchester City on 31 December. The 24-year-old Brazilian, who was initially expected to be out for five to six weeks, has been on the sidelines since sustaining the injury during the 2-0 win over Sunderland at Anfield last month. [caption id=“attachment_3154826” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File photo of Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho. Reuters[/caption] “This is still my hope — to return for this game (against Manchester City),” Coutinho told the club’s website. Liverpool have dropped points in their last two games, losing at Bournemouth and being held to a home draw by West Ham United on Sunday to slip six points behind leaders Chelsea. “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 added. “Straight after the game, when I first saw the pictures and videos of my injury, I was a little scared. 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.” Liverpool, third in the table, travel to 16th-placed Middlesbrough on Wednesday.