Xherdan Shaqiri has confirmed that he missed Liverpool's 2-0 win over Manchester United with a "slight" injury but is hopeful of returning to training this week.

The Swiss forward's absence from the matchday squad on Sunday served to add fuel to recent rumours that he might be on the verge of a January move to Roma.

However, he has now explained that a minor fitness issue was the true reason behind his inability to feature against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men.

“It is just slight, I had a little problem in training,” Shaqiri told the club's official website.

“So I hope I might be back later this week. Let’s see, I cannot say now but it will be good if so.”

Shaqiri has endured something of an injury-hit campaign at Anfield, struggling with a number of niggles either side of a calf tear sustained in September.

But he is optimistic about the prospect of playing a bigger role as the campaign nears what could be a glorious end.

He continued: “I didn’t have a lot of playing rhythm. I missed pre-season also and there were different reasons why I got some knocks maybe.

“I’m staying positive and I still try to have the opportunity to give my best and to help the team.”