Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Philippe Coutinho is unlikely to return for the clash with Manchester City.
Coutinho has been in sensational form for the Reds this season with five goals and five assists in 13 Premier League games so far.
He has missed their last five games in all competitions, though, after picking up an ankle injury at the end of November.
This week saw the Brazilian pictured in training at Melwood, boosting hopes that he could return for the New Years Eve clash with Pep Guardiola’s side.
However, Klopp says that was always an unlikely return date for his star man given the seriousness of the injury.
He said: “Unfortunately we do not have him in training but he makes his training, there’s a big difference.
“There’s absolutely no reason to think about when he is back. We can’t rush the situation. It was a serious injury. We need to wait.
“A rehab for a professional football player is always on the edge.
“The game I think everyone is dreaming of is Manchester City; it was clear from the first second this will be really unlikely. We have to see.”