[Mighty T.A.L.]

Kewell closing on return

Liverpool star Harry Kewell believes he is finally close to making a return to action.

Kewell has not featured this season after picking up groin and foot injuries during Australia's World Cup campaign.

The former Leeds man underwent surgery at the back end of last year and Kewell was able to start running earlier this week.

Kewell is now hoping to be back to full fitness in a month and is targeting a return to action in the UEFA Champions League against Barcelona.

"I started running on Tuesday for the first time since the World Cup, so that was amazing," Kewell told the Sydney Herald Sun.

"Just getting to this stage is a major relief and a weight off my mind.

"I think the desperation to play gets cranked up a little now that I am back here at Liverpool.

"I know I am getting closer, but I'm so keen to get back into it now that it can't come quickly enough for me.

"This is the frustrating stage, when it's close enough that you start to get your hopes up. It is gutting seeing the boys play and knowing you can't be part of it - just yet.

"I hope I'm about three or four weeks away from being fully fit.

"I've been back in England since the middle of November.

"The lads are great here. They're always asking when I'm going to be ready and how I'm going, but you can't really feel part of it unless you're getting your shirt dirty with them."

Source: skysports