Liverpool’s Brendan Rodgers won’t rush Daniel Sturridge back from injury

Brendan Rodgers believes Daniel Sturridge can have an immediate impact when he returns from an ankle injury – but has played down the Liverpool striker’s chances of facing Stoke City.

The 23-year-old hasn’t featured for the Reds since he scored a late equaliser to help Liverpool secure a 3-3 draw with Everton at Goodison Park in late November.

We don’t need to rush him. We’ll make sure that he’s ready to make an impact

Brendan Rodgers

Sturridge, who missed most of the club’s pre-season, made a scintillating start to the campaign, scoring eight goals and making two assists in Liverpool’s opening 10 top-flight games.

And Rodgers is thrilled to have the England striker’s “firepower” nearing availability, but insists he won’t usher Sturridge into his starting line-up until the ex-Chelsea man is fully fit.

“We’ll see over the 24 hours… I think he’s made a terrific impact since he’s been here,” Rodgers told his media conference ahead of his side’s trip to Stoke on Sunday.

“We’re working hard with him and his talent to allow that to flourish.

“Over the past four or five weeks, it has been difficult for us with injuries but having these type of players back and seeing them on training field has been really good – particularly someone of his stature and quality.

“To have him back gives us great firepower.

“He missed all of pre-season and came back in having trained 10 days and started the season and was outstanding.

“The make-up of his body is really good. He doesn’t put on weight. He looks at a real good level fitness wise.

“We don’t need to rush him. We’ll make sure that he’s ready to make an impact.”