Daniel Sturridge Leaves States For 'Final Stages Of Rehab' In England

The end almost is in sight for Daniel Sturridge, Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool.

Sturridge is entering what Rodgers calls the “final stages” of his rehabilitation program, as he looks to conquer persistent leg-muscle injuries that wrecked the first half of his 2014-15 season. Rodgers confirmed Thursday that Sturridge is on his way back to England from the United States, where he has been working out with leading sports scientists and the Boston Red Sox. Rodgers now hopes Sturridge will be available for selection by the end of January.

“He’s at a very late stage, he’s going to be back into the country over the next 24 hours — which is great,” Rodgers said at a news conference. “He’s into the final stages of rehab. We’re looking forward to having him back. The work that he’s done in America has been fantastic; he has been very well supported out there.

“We’re hoping that at some part in January he’ll be ready to come back into the team and the squad, and help us to achieve something in the second part of the season.”

“We just need to assess him first, just to see where he’s at and get the feeling from him. We’ve taken our time on this one.

Rodgers obviously is keen to have Sturridge at his disposal. Sturridge was expected to lead Liverpool’s attack in 2014-15, but calf and thigh injuries have limited him to just three games (and one goal) this term. When Sturridge finally returns, Rodgers wants the English hit-man’s services for an extended period of time.

“We’re trying to look after the medium and long-term here, so he won’t be rushed,” Rodgers said. “If we feel it’s the right thing to get him playing some practice games and training — then back into the first team — we’ll assess that.

Liverpool’s assessment of Sturridge will start imminently, and the Reds hope he will start firing once he steps onto the field.