Liverpool boost as Sturridge nears return after US rehab
Striker is close to return after four months out with series of muscle injuries and treatment in America
It's been a turbulent few months for Liverpool, but the Merseyside club will finally receive some good news today – the return of Daniel Sturridge. The England and Reds striker – last seen in action on 31 August – has just completed an extensive programme of rehabilitation in Boston and according to manager Brendan Rodgers, the results will soon speak for themselves.
"Daniel Sturridge will be back in the country in the next 24 hours to go into final stages of his rehab," explained Rodgers. "The work he has done in America has been fantastic, specialising in the rehabilitation and he will now come back – hopefully in some part of January."
The news will be a huge fillip for Liverpool fans, who have watched in dismay from the stands as their side have struggled to replicate their sparkling form of last season. Currently eighth in the Premier League – 17 points behind leaders Chelsea - and knocked out of a comparatively easy Champions League group, there has been little to cheer on the Kop but Sturridge's return is genuine cause for celebration.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The player himself appeared chuffed to be heading home, tweeting on Thursday: "Do you think about me now and then do you think about me now and then... I'm coming home again. #home."
His last appearance for Liverpool was in the 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the end of August. Subsequently Sturridge sustained a thigh injury on international duty for England and since then it has been a case of one step forward, two steps back on the road to recovery thanks to a series of calf problems arising from the initial injury.
Last month Sturridge wondered if he didn't have his genes to blame for his failure to mend quicker, explaining: "I am vulnerable to muscle injuries... maybe it's my body type, maybe it's hereditary. Both my uncles had injuries, and my dad had them as well. Maybe it's the Caribbean vibes, maybe I have speed but maybe it makes you more vulnerable because of the fast twitch muscles and the speed in which you're moving."
Whatever the reason, Rodgers and the Liverpool fans will be delighted to welcome the 25-year-old back to Anfield. "He is a top class player with a wonderful idea of the game," said the Liverpool manager. "As a footballer he is at a great age and if he can stay fit he can lead the charge for us."
As to when Sturridge might return to first-team action, Rodgers was understandably cautious. "It is difficult to focus on a date, we just need to assess," he told reporters. "We've been monitoring his situation and he looks in a good moment."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published
-
Liverpool 7 Man Utd 0: ‘welcome to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0’
feature Anfield’s ‘new front three’ were on fire in the humbling of their bitter rivals
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City’s financial charges: what next for the Premier League champions?
feature The club is alleged to have breached financial rules around 100 times over a nine-year period
By Mike Starling Published