Agger targets Christmas boost

Daniel Agger's injury nightmare will soon be over with the Liverpool defender expected to return to action before Christmas.

Agger has become something of a forgotten man with his last appearance for the Anfield outfit coming almost two months ago as a substitute in the 2-2 home draw with Sunderland on September 25.

The centre-back missed Liverpool's next two games with a groin problem but nevertheless joined up with the Denmark squad for a Euro 2012 qualifying double header.

Agger then lasted just 39 minutes of the victory against Cyprus on October 12 before being replaced after receiving a kick in the calf.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson later revealed earlier this month that Agger's absence would be "long term", but the club's Head of Sports Science, Dr Peter Brukner, is confident the defender should be back in time for the hectic festive schedule.

"Daniel's injury is an unusual one," said Brukner. "In the international game a month ago, he got a kick on the calf, and sometimes when that happens you get some calcification in the blood clot that forms there, and unfortunately that has happened in Daniel's case.

"It's just taken a lot longer than you would expect for something like that.

"The calcification, once it appears, takes about a month to dissolve and fully recover.

"Daniel has probably got another three weeks before he is back playing. It's a very disappointing and frustrating situation but there's not a lot we can do about it.

"Only time heals this sort of injury, so we just have to be patient with Daniel. But he'll definitely be back before Christmas."

Meanwhile, Christian Poulsen has spoken of his desire to win over the Liverpool fans and prove his worth at Anfield.

The 30-year-old, capped 81 times by Denmark, posted his best performance since arriving at the club in Saturday's 3-0 win over West Ham United, but admits there is still a long way to go.

"When you come as a new player you want the fans to be happy with you," said Poulsen.

"I know it's difficult because this is a really, really big club and they've seen really good players.

"I hope that I can start to get better and they see that I can bring something to the team and have some qualities.

"Of course it's been a difficult start for me.

" I'm a new player here at the club and it takes time to settle in.

"It's a big challenge but I'm happy to be here.

"I have to learn from the players and try to perform well in every game. Liverpool is a big, big club.

"I think it's getting better and I hope I can stay free of injuries.

"From day to day I'm getting better and settling into the team."

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