Daniel Sturridge out until September

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said on Friday (May 8) that striker Daniel Sturridge will only return to training in September following hip surgery in the United States.

The 25-year-old has been sidelined by hip and thigh injuries this season and has not played since the FA Cup quarter-final win over Blackburn Rovers on April 8.  

England international Sturridge underwent surgery in the US on Tuesday after playing just 18 games in this campaign, scoring five goals.

Last season, he had 33 appearances and 24 goals. 

Rodgers said: "Obviously it is long period of time out but we hope the problem and issues have been resolved with the operation. 

"He’s been a big miss for us. Once he’s fully fit he can be a key player for us."

Rodgers also said he was not interested in Manchester United-bound Dutch forward Memphis Depay as he has "other priorities".  

Fifth-placed Liverpool travel to Chelsea on Sunday hoping the Premier League champions are suffering from a hangover after winning the title for the first time since 2010 last weekend.  

Rodgers has still not given up hope of snatching the final Champions League qualification spot, but Liverpool trail fourth-placed Manchester United by four points with three games remaining. 

Source: Reuters