Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers told reporters on 28 August that Daniel Sturridge had returned to Liverpool training for the first time since undergoing hip surgery in May but the striker will not be rushed back into action.
The 25-year-old scored five goals in 18 appearances for the Merseyside club in an injury-hit campaign last season with his last appearance coming in a 1-0 FA Cup win at Blackburn Rovers in April.
Sturridge went under the knife in New York to fix an issue believed to be behind the various muscle problems he suffered but looked to be moving well when put through his paces in a solo training session at Melwood on 27 August.
No timeline on Daniel. Hes obviously been away working in America, hes come back and its just about him working hard now to get back somewhere near the level of the group. But theres no time on it, he came back, he looks well, hes really happy and excited to be back amongst his team-mates. So well just have to take that week on week rather than put any pressure on the time for him, said Rodgers.
Meanwhile, midfielder Lazar Markovic appears set to join Turkish side Fenerbahce on a season-long loan, according to British media reports, with the clubs said to have agreed terms for the 21-year-old. Markovic will become the second player to leave Anfield on loan this week should the deal go through, following Italian striker Mario Balotellis departure for AC Milan on Thursday.
The controversial player failed to make an impact at Anfield last season, scoring only one goal in 16 Premier League appearances as the club finished sixth in the table. Balotelli blamed his poor Liverpool form on manager Brendan Rodgers tactics, but Rodgers refused to be drawn on the comments and wished him well for the season.
Its a good move for Mario. It suits both parties, he goes to play, gets a season of playing football back in his homeland, so thatll be good for him, he said.
Liverpool face West Ham United at Anfield on 29 August, a side that has fared better on the road this season having won at Arsenal on the first weekend of the season before losing two consecutive home games against Leicester City and newcomers Bournemouth.
Itll be a tough game, this will be our toughest game of the four. Theyve obviously had a very good result last time they played away, so were under no illusions, this will be a tough game for us. The two home games were difficult for them, said Rodgers, adding: Theyve got a new manager whos an excellent manager, whos still finding out about the Premier league and importantly about his own players. Im sure as time goes on Slaven [Bilic] will do an excellent job there and we know that theyll come as a team motivated to get a result.
