Daniel Sturridge has taken a significant step closer to his Liverpool comeback by resuming full training for the first time since undergoing hip surgery in the United States.
The England international returned to Melwood almost three weeks ago having spent most of his rehabilitation period with the medical staff of the Boston Red Sox, who are also owned by Fenway Sports Group. He has been eased towards a competitive return since and joined Brendan Rodgers’ first-team squad for a full training session on Thursday.
Liverpool will assess Sturridge’s reaction before taking a decision on whether he will be involved against Manchester United on Saturday, but the 25-year-old’s availability comes at an important time for Rodgers, with his side short on Premier League goals and entering a hectic period. The striker made only 18 appearances last season due to thigh, calf and hip problems, scoring four league goals, compared with 21 in 2013-14.
Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana remain doubtful for the trip to Old Trafford. The midfielders have not resumed full training since suffering injuries last month, the captain damaging a foot and Lallana a thigh, and Saturday’s game may come too soon for both.
