Brendan Rodgers says Daniel Sturridge’s injury nightmare is finally over, but insists he will not be rushing the Liverpool striker back into first team action.
Sturridge has not featured for the Reds since the 3-0 win over Tottenham on August 31, having suffered three consecutive injury setbacks.
The 25-year-old has just returned to Liverpool following some lengthy treatment in the United States, and Rodgers says that has helped to rectify the injury problems he has endured since signing for the club two years ago.
“We had an extensive look at it for Daniel’s benefit,” Rodgers explained.
“What he had done in his career up until now – when you look at the injuries he’s had – just hasn’t worked. That’s the reality of it.
“If you have nine injuries on one thigh alone and a number of other issues then there is a procedure you need to look at.
“It’s been about doing everything you possibly can to get as much as you can out of the player.
“That has involved bringing in other reviews, going to see specialists in the field and going to other parts of the world.
“We have taken every measure we possibly can to see if we can get him to be consistently fit. We’ve tried to look after the medium and long term here.
“He has gone out to America and done a lot of great work and they have got him three quarters of the way there. We’ve had video links and been monitoring the situation.
“Now he will come back into here, finish that off and hopefully it will be like having a new player for the rest of the season.”
Rodgers was reluctant to put a date on the former Chelsea striker’s comeback, but revealed he will be returning to full training shortly.
“Daniel will be back with us at Melwood on Friday,” Rodgers said.
“He’s not ready to start full training straightaway but he’s not far off.
“Now it’s just a case of finalising this last period of his rehab.
“There is no comeback game in mind at this stage. We will just see how he adapts when he’s back here.
“Daniel is a key player for us. You put him into any team and it makes them better.
“His pace is frightening, his touch, his movement, and he’s also improved the defensive part of his game in order to press the ball.
“If he can just sustain that fitness, he’s shown what he can do. We’re hoping that he can stay fit and lead the charge for us over the next few years.”
