Liverpool: Daniel Sturridge hints he is ready to return from injury against Sunderland

Daniel Sturridge could be ready to ease Liverpool's concerns up front after hinting he is close to making his return from his latest injury setback. Sturridge, 26, has been beset by injuries over the last 18 months.

The England international returned in November to feature under Jurgen Klopp for the first time but has missed his side's last four games after suffering yet another setback. But it would appear the striker is now in line to return for the trip to Sunderland on Wednesday (30 December) after tweeting to his 1.74 million followers: "Perfect gift for Christmas from the boys getting a win. On a side note I'm back training and good to go."

Sturridge's return will be much welcomed after the club's already slim options up front were further reduced on Boxing Day in the 1-0 win over Leicester City. Divock Origi was forced off with a hamstring problem during the first half, replaced by Christian Benteke who would go on to score the game's winning goal.

Klopp is hopeful the Belgium international simply suffered a cramp, however, and has not ruled him out featuring at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.

"I hope it's not too serious, we will see. They spoke about a little cramp," Klopp told Liverpool's official website. "You have been here longer than me; I didn't know the word before I came to England, but 'hamstring' is the worst word of the year for me. It's always hamstring, hamstring, hamstring. That's the intensity of the game and the fixtures.

"We will see. I hope it's not too serious. We have the next game in three days and six days the next, nine days the next – I hope he can play in one of these games."