Liverpool want injured Daniel Sturridge to feature against Arsenal

Liverpool are trying their best to have Daniel Sturridge fit for their clash against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday in what is likely to decide the fate of the top four race, according to the Daily Mirror.

A win for the Gunners will put a considerable gap between Liverpool and the top four following their 2-1 loss to Manchester United in the last game.

With United expected to win their game against Villa, it is a must win game for Liverpool, who cannot afford to let up after having covered so much ground in the last three months.

Sturridge is believed to be sidelined for up to a month with a hip injury he picked up against United at Anfield. However, doctors believe that the striker can be fit for the clash against Gunners with treatment, in spite of some lingering pain which can cause him discomfort during the fixture.

Brendan Rodgers is desperate to convince the England international to take the field, especially with the likes of Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert not in their best form off late.

His unavailability will force him to deploy Raheem Sterling through the middle, who is infinitely more effective on the flanks, from where he can drive into opposition defences and give fullbacks a hard time with his pace.

Sturridge has failed to scale his achievements from last season due to injuries, with multiple setbacks keeping him out for the better part of the season. However, since his return, Liverpool have lost only one game in the league, the one against United last week, which talks volumes about his influence in front of goal.

The Reds will also be without Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel through suspensions, with the latter charged with dangerous conduct after stamping on David de Gea in the closing stages of the game.

Rodgers has a few other injury concerns ahead of the game but the majority are likely to be back before the fixture. He will need his team to be at their fluid best to cause an in-form Arsenal team any real problems.