Liverpool's Slovakian defender Martin Skrtel will be able to play by Christmas, the English Premiership soccer club said on Tuesday.

The centre-back fell on his right leg in last week's 3-2 win over Manchester City and was then stretched off with his leg heavily strapped.

The club also confirmed that the 23-year-old will not need an operation on his injured knee.

(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2008)