The Liverpool striker was due to return to first-team action following his recovery from a calf problem, but could now be unavailable for another six weeks

Daniel Sturridge’s latest injury setback has left the Liverpool striker “at a really low point,” according to team-mate Jordan Henderson.

Sturridge returned to full first-team training last week after recovering from a calf problem, but has suffered a thigh injury which could rule him out of action for a further six weeks.

Henderson says Sturridge has been left “devastated” by the injury and the Liverpool squad is disappointed to have lost the England international.

“It is a big blow, not only for the team but for him as well,” Henderson told ESPN.

“He is devastated, at a really low point really because he was looking forward to getting back playing. He felt good so it is disappointing for us as a team and him personally.

“We have to make sure as team-mates we are strong for him because he is doing everything he can in the gym and on the training field to get back as quick as he can. Hopefully he has a quick recovery, a speedy recovery and he comes back firing on all cylinders.”

Liverpool have laboured in Sturridge’s absence, slipping to 11th in the Premier League table after a season in which they narrowly missed out on the title.

Henderson believes the added pressure of playing extra games in the Champions League could be effecting the Anfield side’s form.

“I am not sure [why we are struggling],” he added. “We are doing the same things, we are working really hard in training, [but] the games come thick and fast when you are playing Champions League and the cup games as well.

“You have got to try and deal with that as best you can. It was obviously going to be a shock for us but hopefully as the season goes on then we will be a little bit more used to it.”