Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has refused to rule Daniel Sturridge out of a shock return in this weekend’s Merseyside derby against Everton, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
This would be well ahead of schedule for the England international, who injured himself while on duty with the national side.
Rodgers has repeatedly complained about the circumstances surrounding his injury, with Sturridge not given – in his view – enough time to recover from the friendly against Norway before being plunged back into training.
His injury has coincided with a downturn in form for the Anfield club, but having made a significant amount of progress, it now seems that Sturridge could possibly be available for the clash against Liverpool’s city rivals.
Despite previously denying the idea that he might be fit, Rodgers has now said that the player will be monitored up until closer to the game, to see if he’s ready.
Rodgers said: “We’ve got a number of injuries that we’re just going to give every chance to. Obviously the game is 48 hours away.
“[Sturridge] is a player who is out on the field working. Daniel and a number of others we’ll assess nearer the time. If he doesn’t make it, then he won’t be far off after that.
“He is someone that responds well to treatment and it’s gone well – he’s out on the field. There’s still a couple of days to go yet before the game. The most important thing is that he is nearer to fitness.
“He certainly won’t be match fit – he hasn’t played for a few weeks. But it would be great to have him back because he’s a wonderful player for us.”
