Liverpool Handed Major Injury Boost With Star Man Set For Swift Return

Liverpool have been handed a major injury boost with Sky Sports News reporting that Daniel Sturridge’s hamstring injury isn’t as bad as first feared.

The injury-plagued striker suffered his latest problem after coming on as a second half substitute during Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday.

The Liverpool Echo were one of several newspapers who reported this morning that following scans on Tuesday at Melwood, Sturridge has been diagnosed with a hamstring strain and was expected to be on the sidelines for up to four weeks.

That time-frame would have ruled the 26-year-old out of the entire Christmas and New Year fixtures and left Jurgan Klopp without his star striker for at least seven matches.

However, it appears the Reds have now been handed a major boost as Sky Sports News are reporting that the injury isn’t as bad as first feared and Liverpool now expect to have Sturridge back in time for the hectic festive period.

If this latest diagnosis is correct, then Sturridge would still miss the upcoming Premier League games with West Brom and Watford while he’ll also miss tomorrow night’s Europa League clash at FC Sion.

But he could be back in time for the visit of league leaders Leicester City to Anfield on Boxing Day, the subsequent games against Sunderland, West Ham and the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi final with Stoke at the start of January.

That would be a significant boost for Klopp as he’s had to make-do without Sturridge for practically his entire tenure so far with the striker only recently making his comeback from a knee injury.

Sturridge marked his first start under the German coach with a brace during the 6-1 win over Southampton last week but his comeback didn’t last long as he picked up a hamstring injury on Sunday.

In his absence, Christian Benteke will vie with Belgian youngster Divock Origi for a starting spot up front while Roberto Firmino has also been deployed through the middle in recent weeks, so Klopp still has plenty of options at his disposal.