Czech star Baros finally started kicking a ball again this week and he could play his first reserve game on January 19 against Wolves.

Full-back Carragher, who suffered his injury in a tackle with Lucas Neill, has been in full training for a couple of weeks and is expected to play for the reserves on January 13 against Everton.

The return of the pair will be a major boost for boss Gerard Houllier, who has Michael Owen close to a comeback after three months out while Stephane Henchoz made his first appearance since early November in last weekend’s draw at Manchester City.

Houllier hopes January is the month when all his injured stars return, include skipper Steven Gerrard, who misses Sunday’s FA Cup trip to Yeovil and probably Wednesday’s league game at Chelsea with a groin problem.

Houllier, who has cited Liverpool’s injury nightmare as the main reason for their erratic form this season, said: “This week has been the first time Milan has been able to kick a ball but he still has some way to go before he will be back.

“Jamie Carragher will definitely be ready for our reserve game on January 13, if not sooner, but that will be too early for Milan.”

There were fears Baros would need a second operation to remove a pin from his leg, but that has been averted.

Baros said: “I started kicking the ball again on Monday. I am working on my own at the moment but in the next two weeks I am hoping I will be able to join in full training with the other lads.

“There is a reserve game on January 13 but that will probably be too early for me. I think it will be nearer the 20th when I can start thinking of being involved in a game.”