Timely boost for Liverpool as Daniel Sturridge edges closer to playing return

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has returned to full training as he edges closer to a first-team return.

On Monday manager Jurgen Klopp said the England international, who has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury on December 6 at Newcastle, was expected to join the rest of the group for a session at the club’s Melwood training ground.

Sturridge has only made four starts so far this season.

The 26-year-old duly did so, taking part with all the players who did not start yesterday’s defeat at Leicester.

Klopp has consistently said he wants Sturridge to train for 10 to 12 days consecutively before he will consider him for selection so it is highly unlikely he will be in contention for Saturday’s visit of Sunderland or Tuesday’s FA Cup replay at West Ham.

Fellow striker Divock Origi, out since Boxing Day with a hamstring strain, and playmaker Philippe Coutinho, sidelined since January 5 with a similar problem, are scheduled to resume full training on Thursday.

Centre-back Martin Skrtel, also victim to a hamstring injury sustained at Watford on December 20, could return to training as early as the weekend.