Reds manager Brendan Rodgers is excited about the prospect of getting back a key member of his team but will evaluate him on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s trip to Loftus Road

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is leaving it late before determining whether or not Daniel Sturridge is able to play any part against QPR on Sunday.

The England international striker has been out of action since facing Tottenham on August 31 but is nearing a return to the first team.

The striker is one of several players on the verge of a comeback after injuries, leaving the Reds boss optimistic of a big impact.

Rodgers told the press on Friday: “Thankfully, we have got a number of our other injured players back. Joe Allen is training and looking really well, Emre Can is back, Glen Johnson is back in so that side is looking healthy. Dejan [Lovren] will hopefully be fine for the weekend.

“We’ll have to see tomorrow how Dan is. We just need to see by tomorrow where he’s at and then we’ll take it from there.

“He has obviously been out for a long time, nearly six weeks. He is working tirelessly with the medical team – I have got an incredible sports science and medical team here.

“They really focus in on his rehabilitation. He’s a top-class talent and he’ll be looking forward to getting back once he’s ready.

“He’s an excellent player that not only creates space for himself but for others. If you look at our team in the last 18 months – the penetration and ability to break lines and dominate the game without the ball, with runs – Daniel and other players have made us a real threat.

“Obviously when you take him out of the team you’re playing a different game and the model of your game is different. When he’s playing and playing how he has done since he’s been here, he’s one of the top European strikers.”