Liverpool’s Stewart Downing: Daniel Sturridge’s return a big plus

Stewart Downing believes Daniel Sturridge’s return to fitness is a “big plus” for Liverpool amid the ongoing Luis Suárez saga.

The 23-year-old picked up a heel injury in England’s 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland at Wembley in May.

Sturridge, who was signed in a £12m deal from Chelsea in January, scored 10 goals in 14 Premier League appearances following his switch to Anfield.

And Liverpool winger Downing is delighted to see the prolific forward’s return to fitness as Brendan Rodgers continues to fend off interest in the Uruguayan.

“Whatever happens with Luis Suárez, he’s suspended for the first six matches anyway, so Daniel is going to be very important for us,” Downing told the Liverpool Echo.

“Hopefully he can get some minutes against Celtic (in the club’s final pre-season match on Saturday) and then be ready for the Stoke game. It’s a big plus for us to have him back fit before the start of the season.

“He causes defenders a lot of problems and if he carries on where he left off last season we’ll be delighted.”