Liverpool Striker Daniel Sturridge Fit for Chelsea Return

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is expected to hand the club's Premier League title hopes a major boost by declaring himself fit for the visit of former club Chelsea on Sunday.

Sturridge missed the 3-2 win at Norwich City with a hamstring injury after limping off against Manchester City the previous weekend.

The England international has suffered from a succession of hamstring problems this season but has netted 20 league goals for Liverpool and is included as one of six nominees for both the PFA Players' Player and Young Player of the Year awards.

Speaking during a Q&A with local schoolchildren on Wednesday, Sturridge claimed he was "hopeful" of returning in time for the crunch visit of Chelsea at Anfield.

Alongside Luis Suarez, Sturridge has formed one half of the most potent strike partnerships in the Premier League and the pair have become the first Liverpool attacking duo to both reach 20 league goals in a season for 50 years.

Raheem Sterling's double and Suarez's 30<sup>th league goal of the campaign ensured Liverpool claimed an 11<sup>th successive win which sent them five points clear of Chelsea with three games left.

Though Jordan Henderson, who is missing until the final game of the campaign due to suspension, says the club are desperate to have Sturridge back in the fold.

"He is a massive player for us," he said. "The last game against Norwich I thought we did brilliantly, but it's always a bonus to have a player like Daniel back, so hopefully he is fit and can do the business at the weekend.

"We're in a very good position but nothing's won yet. I think we've got to keep our feet firmly on the ground, starting with Chelsea.

"And our focus is on not getting too carried away and just keeping on what we've been doing all season."