Roy Hodgson Expecting Joe Cole to Return for Liverpool Clash With Tottenham

Liverpool recently lost Steven Gerrard  for several weeks to a hamstring injury, but Joe Cole's balky hamstring looks to have healed, and the Reds are expecting the midfielder to be on the pitch this weekend.

"Joe should be back for Sunday," LFC manager Roy Hodgson told the team's website. "Joe is not that far away really, so hopefully he will have recovered in time for Tottenham."

Hodgson wasn't able to totally commit to Cole's return, however, citing the unpredictability of a hamstring injury.

"Hamstring injuries are tricky and I'm afraid we can only rely on what the Sports Science people tell us, and if they say he needs more time we just have to wait."

Cole hasn't seen action since Oct. 31. In seven games with the Reds this season, Cole has just one assist and is still looking for his first goal.