Thiago Alcantara is hopeful of resuming full training before the end of 2020.
The midfielder last featured for Liverpool in October’s Merseyside derby draw with Everton, when he suffered a knee injury during the game’s final stages.
Thiago stepped up his rehabiliitation on Thursday by taking part in a varied fitness session at the Premier League champions’ training base in Kirkby.
Although the Spain international, a summer arrival from Bayern Munich, has not set a comeback date, he believes first-team training is now attainable.
“Just taking it step by step,” he told the club’s official website.
“We always try to [do it] like we have a wall in front of us, saying ‘OK, you have to make a step back before you can advance.’
“Now we think we are in a right mood and looking forward to the end of the year to try to train another time with the team.”
Competition has heightened within the Reds’ midfield since Thiago’s absence with Curtis Jones earning a regular starring role for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The 29-year-old admits that he has used the time out to gain a feel for his new club and is relishing building on his first two appearances since joining.
“The team were doing good the last years, it’s not just about this season, it’s about the last years,” added Thiago.
“They were doing an amazing performance not just in the Premier League but also in the Champions League.
“The positive part is [the opportunity] to learn more about the club and to learn more about the players from outside the pitch.”