Liverpool: Daniel Sturridge ruled out for four months following hip surgery

Liverpool have reportedly been handed a massive blow after it was revealed that Daniel Sturridge could be ruled out for four months following his hip surgery in the United States.

According to the Guardian, the Reds have been informed of the striker's fate, which is sure to see him miss the start of the season and it could be mid-to-late October before the striker is available for selection to Brendan Rodgers.

The news will put more pressure on the Northern Irishman to sign a top quality striker ahead of the new season, after Liverpool struggled to find the back of the net this campaign. After a promising 2013/14 campaign that saw them challenge for the title, this year was a bitter disappointment as the Merseyside club face the prospect of failing to qualify for the Champions League yet again after a brief appearance in the competition this year.

This news will come as a major setback to Sturridge, who has had an injury ravaged season, which saw him start just seven matches in the league this season due to recurring hip, thigh and calf injuries.

In his absence, Liverpool have struggled for goals as backup strikers Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini have all failed to live up to expectations and may move on from the club in the summer.

On a positive note, the club have been informed by the team of doctors attending to the striker in America that the underlying problem for his injuries have been identified and rectified, which should give plenty of hope for his future.

Rodgers had already confirmed that he is looking for a top quality striker and have been linked with a move for Burnley's Danny Ings, but the manager will have to target a big name signing to make up for the loss of the England international, who will have to prove his fitness to the manager to reclaim his status as Liverpool's number one striker.