Liverpool Striker Daniel Sturridge Returns to Light Training

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has returned to light training as he edges towards his return from injury.

Sturridge, 25, suffered a thigh strain during a training session while on international duty on 5 September and subsequently missed England's 2-0 win over Switzerland in their opening Euro 2016 group qualifier.

Manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed the striker was facing up to three weeks on the sidelines last Thursday but Strurridge could be nearing a quicker-than-anticipated return after taking part in a one-on-one session at the club's Melwood facilities on Wednesday.

The striker confirmed his return himself via his Twitter account, tweeting: "Pushing myself to my limit right now for real. Closer to fitness each day!"

It had initially been feared that the striker would miss the Merseyside derby against Everton on 27 September but his return to the training pitch bears promise for Rodgers.

The visit to West Ham United on Saturday evening is likely to come too soon for the former Chelsea and Manchester City striker but Liverpool's Capital One Cup fourth round tie with Middlesbrough at Anfield next Wednesday could provide Rodgers with an opportunity to test the player's fitness ahead of the visit of Roberto Martinez's side at the end of the month.

The Reds striker missed his side's 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday and the club's return game in the Champions League on Tuesday night, where Mario Balotelli filled the void up front.

Strurridge suffered a string of hamstring problems last season but still managed to contribute 24 goals to help his side finish runners up in the Premier League.

Rodgers is also without German midfielder Emre Can for up to six weeks after he suffered an ankle injury, while Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan are both edging their way back to full fitness after respective knocks.