The striker has been ruled out with a hamstring injury in recent weeks but hopes to be fit enough to face his former club on Sunday

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is hopeful of returning from injury for Sunday’s crucial clash with Chelsea.

The England international, 24, complained about pain in his hamstring during his side’s 3-2 win over Manchester City on April 13 and was subsequently substituted.

Sturridge has since missed one game with the problem, but hopes to return to face his former club – who sit five points behind Brendan Rodgers’ Premier League leaders.

“Hopefully this weekend I’ll be back,” Sturridge said in a question-and-answer session with children on Wednesday.

“I’m not too sure if [Rodgers] will play me or not. We’ll have to see.”

Asked if he would celebrate if he scored against his former club, Sturridge said it was something he wanted to avoid.

“I would like to show respect to my former club, but if I were to come on and score in the last minute I’m going to be on a mad one, aren’t I?” he said.

“I don’t want to – but I don’t know if I could control myself if that happened.”

Sturridge has scored 20 league goals this season, combining with Luis Suarez (30) to help Liverpool to the brink of their first league title in 24 years.