Liverpool to take every precaution to ensure Daniel Sturridge doesn't suffer injury setback

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists the club are considering every possibility in their bid to keep Daniel Sturridge fit for the rest of the season.

Sturridge, 25, has not played since August having been plagued with thigh and hamstring problems that have derailed his season.

But a lengthy rehabilitation programme, which involved treatment in the United States in December, would appear to be drawing to a close after the former Manchester City and Chelsea striker returned to training with the first team this week.

But Rodgers is wary of the dangers his talismanic striker will face in his bid to make his first-team return and assures the club are taking every precaution to ensure the England international does not suffer another setback.

"It's been our job over the last number of months to find that solution for him," Rodgers told Liverpool's official website.

"We have called in experts from different parts of the world, so we are hoping it will allow him to stay fit for longer and a more consistent period. Let's hope that will be the case.

"You look at when he first came here for half a season, and the next, and that was the first time he had been playing consistent, regular football. Mechanically, that has meant he's picked up injuries.

"But hopefully in future all the work we have done, and all he will have learned, means we will support him, keeping him fit and have him available for selection."

Liverpool's woes in front of goal this season have contributed to their poor campaign, with last summer signings Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert failing to deliver the expected impact.

But Rodgers has not been tempted to recall Sturridge, who boasts a club return of 36 goals in 52 appearances, ahead of schedule.

He said: "It will take him time. First he has to get fit, generally. Fortunately enough his body allows him, he's a naturally fit player.

"Just having him on the field to begin with will be critical to the team because I think his threat is obvious. It's the only way we will get him back up to speed."