Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has returned to full training as he edges closer to a long-awaited first-team return.
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| Daniel Sturridge returned to training on Wednesday after a long-term absence |
The 26-year-old striker has not played since December 6 because of his protracted injury problems - he has only played 106 minutes since Jurgen Klopp took charge.
On Monday, Klopp said the England international was expected to join the rest of the group for a session at the club's Melwood training ground this week, and he took part in a full session on Wednesday along with all players who did not start the defeat to Leicester on Tuesday.
Klopp has consistently said he wants Sturridge to train for 10 to 12 days consecutively before he will consider him for selection to the first team, so it is almost certain he will not be in contention for Saturday's visit of Sunderland or the following Tuesday's FA Cup replay at West Ham.
Sturridge has only played in six matches all season, with just three Premier League starts.
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| Daniel Sturridge's last Liverpool goal came away at Southampton in December |
Fellow Reds striker Divock Origi, who has been out since Boxing Day with a hamstring strain, is scheduled to resume full training on Thursday as well as Philippe Coutinho, who has been sidelined since January 5.
Centre-back Martin Skrtel, who has also been victim of a hamstring injury sustained at Watford on December 20, could return to training as early as this weekend.