Michael Owen could return for Liverpool's FA Cup third round tie at third division Yeovil on Sunday.

The England striker has been suffering from various leg injuries and has not played since Liverpool's 1-0 UEFA Cup win over Steaua Bucharest on November 27 when he tore a thigh muscle.

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier is desperate for his leading scorer to return to boost the club's flagging season in which they have fallen 20 points behind league leaders Manchester United.

"Michael had a scan and he is doing a lot better now," Houllier told the club's website. "As soon as he can train he will train.

"We will see how he is before Yeovil but I would not totally rule out the possibility of him being involved at this stage."

Houllier believes Owen's absence and injuries to summer signing Harry Kewell have hit hard.

"We started the season well but if you look at the number of shots we have had since Michael and Harry have been out, it has dipped markedly," Houllier said.

Definitely missing from Liverpool's trip to Yeovil is captain Steven Gerrard who picked up a thigh injury in the 2-2 draw at Manchester City on Sunday.