Liverpool: Daniel Sturridge demands 'patience' over injury return ahead of West Ham clash

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has asked fans not to expect too much too soon from him, following his five-month spell out of football due to injuries.

The 25-year-old England international is yet to play a game since last August after suffering a thigh injury at the start of September while on international duty.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has said the striker will have a fitness test to determine whether he is ready for the Premier League game against West Ham United on Saturday 31 January.

"He's looked very, very good in training today, he was outstanding. But we'll give him another day and I'll have another chat with him tomorrow just to see where he's at, but he looks in top-class condition," Rodgers said.

Meanwhile, Sturridge has said even though he is looking forward to playing again, he does not want to raise expectations.

"Everyone has got to be patient. I am just going to give my best, give 100% on the pitch - I always do - and I won't hold back from anything. I take responsibility for my performances on the pitch and I look forward to getting back out there," he said to Liverpool's official website.

"I can't wait to start playing again - that's what I have been waiting for and working hard in rehab for. I am looking forward to that now."

But asked about the West Ham game, he said: "I don't know. I'll be excited, I'm sure I will. It's a moment I've been waiting for a long time and I've missed playing, so I will be excited whether it's this weekend or the game after that or beyond that.

"Whenever it is, whenever the manager decides to choose me to have some involvement, I'll be raring to go. I've been champing at the bit, as they say! I'm ready now - it's been a long time coming, but I am happy with how everything has gone and I am looking forward to it."

Even though the former Chelsea star was expected to return to action last October, he damaged his calf during his recovery before suffering another set-back in November.

Meanwhile, the striker promises fans he will repay their support, pointing out he still has a long-term future at Liverpool after signing a new contract towards the end of last year.

He said: "Hopefully I will be able to repay them in performances and help the team have some success and win silverware over the years. I committed my future to the club when I signed a contract in October, so I have got a few years here to try and repay them.

"This season and the period I've been out will be a distant memory and I am looking forward to hopefully an injury-free end to the season then going into next season, as well as having some success, whether it's this season or next. That'd be perfect for me."