Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge undergoes "successful" hip operation

Liverpool and England striker Daniel Sturridge is targeting a return to action next season after successfully undergoing surgery to correct a hip problem.

Sturridge has made just seven Premier League starts and has not featured for the Reds since the FA Cup win over Blackburn Rovers on 8 April.

The 25-year-old has suffered from thigh and calf injuries this term but his latest injury ends his season with three weeks of the campaign remaining.

Writing on Instagram, Sturridge said: "Just want to let the world know I've had a successful operation on my hip today and I want to thank God for allowing that to be possible. Onwards and upwards from here. Thanks for the support."

After picking up a thigh problem while training with England in August, Sturridge spent another four months out of the game with a calf injury suffered during his recovery.

Upon his return, Sturridge's fitness was managed with rare starts being combined with brief cameo appearances from the bench.

However, a run of four consecutive starts and 45 minutes against Arsenal for Sturridge was ended when he was withdrawn at half-time in the win at Ewood Park, a game which is looking increasingly likely to be his final match of the campaign.

With Mario Balotelli also currently out injured, it leaves Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers with just two recognised forwards in Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini for the club's final three games of the season.

Champions Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Stoke City represent Liverpool's opposition between now and the end of the year, games the Merseyside must win to stand any chance to qualifying for the Champions League.

But above the club's ambitions of finishing in the top four, the predicament facing Rodgers only works to highlight his need to add to his attacking resources in the summer.

Belgium youngster Divock Origi will move to the club on a permanent basis in the summer after a full season on loan at French outfit Lille, but further new faces could yet join the Liverpool attack.