FABIO AURELIO has not given up hope of making a comeback before the end of the season and helping Liverpool push towards European qualification.

The Brazilian has been sidelined with a hamstring problem after pulling up during the first half of the 1-1 draw at Arsenal earlier this month.

It was the latest in a long series of injuries for the 31-year-old, who has been restricted to just 20 appearances since re-signing for Liverpool last summer.

But Aurelio is determined to regain his fitness as Kenny Dalglish’s side prepare to battle Tottenham Hotspur for the final Europa League berth.

“I’m optimistic I will be able to play again before the end of the season,” he said.

“It’s the same hamstring injury I had against Manchester United in March but in a slightly different place.

“It is very frustrating but the way I look at it is God is good all the time and I still have faith that things will turn around.

“That is why I keep fighting to get fit.”

Aurelio’s absence, along with that of fellow full-backs Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly, has given an opportunity to Academy graduates John Flanagan and Jack Robinson.

And Aurelio has been impressed by the impact of both teenagers, with 17-year-old Robinson having replaced him at the Emirates.

“I didn’t see the rest of the first half at Arsenal as I was inside being treated but I saw most of the second and Jack looked very confident,” said the defender.

“He showed his ability, quality and personality. It was the same with John Flanagan.

“They are very young but they didn’t seem to feel the pressure at all.”