Sturridge faces six-week absence

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge could be sidelined until the new year with his latest injury.

The 25-year-old underwent scans yesterday after pulling out of a training session earlier this week with a thigh problem. The injury is not a recurrence of the one he sustained on international duty with England in September, but it could keep him out for up to six weeks.

Sturridge has not played for his club since August 31, as he strained a calf on his return to training after recovery from his initial thigh injury, but he was in line to feature at Crystal Palace this weekend.

Liverpool yesterday said Sturridge “will remain unavailable for selection... during his recovery” from the new thigh injury.

Since joining the club in January 2013, the striker has played in 52 of the 82 matches available, but has suffered numerous injuries.

His absence puts further pressure on summer signings Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert who, along with fellow forward Fabio Borini, have yet to score a Premier League goal this season.