Liverpool boost as Sturridge nears return after US rehab

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.

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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."