Liverpool receive major injury boost as star steps up training regime ahead of Man City

Daniel Sturridge has returned to training at Liverpool

DANIEL STURRIDGE could be back for Liverpool's heavyweight clash with Manchester City next week.

 

The England star has stepped up his recovery process and could be in line for a return after the international break.

Sturridge, whose season has consisted of three appearances so far, is in training with the Liverpool medical team and is likely to begin ball work early next week.

The former Chelsea and City striker was injured in a  collision with Jordon Ibe in training after his return from a long lay off.

 

He required surgery in the summer to deal with a hip problem and made his return to action at the end of September.

He scored twice as Liverpool beat Villa 3-2 in his second game but has yet to feature under new boss Jurgen Klopp.

The former Dortmund manager refused to put a time scale on his return last week.

 

Sturridge scored a double against Villa in September

 

Sturridge could return for the City clash after the international break

The Liverpool boss said: "I think Sturridge will be back soon -- but soon is relative and I actually don't know.

"He hasn't returned as fast as we thought he would, but we cannot put pressure on him.

"All I can say is that at this moment he is training outside again after four weeks. So of course he needs time so that we can bring him back to good shape.

"Once he starts training properly, I will talk about when Daniel can play.

"At the moment, it is like he has had another summer break. He needs to train hard before I can really talk about him playing."