The Reds boss maintains the forward will not be rushed back and believes the 24-year-old will play an important part in the club’s bid to secure Champions League football

Brendan Rodgers has revealed Daniel Sturridge could be fit for Liverpool’s Premier League fixture against Stoke City on Sunday.

The 24-year-old has not featured since the 3-3 draw against Everton on November 23, after suffering an ankle injury in training.

The forward has scored 11 goals in 14 appearances for the club this season as Liverpool sit fourth in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Arsenal.

When asked if Sturridge would be included for his side’s trip to the Britannia Stadium, Rodgers replied: “We’ll see over the next 24 hours.

“He has made a terrific impact since he came in here, he has been outstanding. We’re working hard with him and his talent to try to really allow that to flourish.

“Over the last four to five weeks it has obviously been difficult for us with injuries and the fitness of the squad.

“But just seeing him on the training field in the last couple of days has been really good – someone of that stature and quality out there. To have that back in your group again gives you great firepower.”

Rodgers maintains Sturridge will not be hurried back from his injury and predicts the striker to play a major part in his side’s bid to secure Champions League football.

“Daniel missed all of our pre-season, came back in having only trained 10 days or so, then started off the season and was outstanding,” said the Liverpool manager.

“The make-up of his body is really good; he doesn’t put on weight, he has looked after himself really well and he looks at a really good level fitness-wise.

“We’ll assess that over the next 24 hours. We don’t need to rush him, we want to make sure he’s going to be ready to make an impact in the second part of the season.”