Liverpool striker Sturridge aims for Man Utd game in fitness race

While Liverpool get ready to travel to the Britannia Stadium this weekend in their Premier League opener, Reds striker Daniel Sturridge gave a cryptic injury update on social media as the 25-year old continues his recovery from hip surgery in the United States.

Sturridge has suffered frequent groin and calf injuries through his career, and Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group took drastic action last season in an effort to cure the club’s star striker of his chronic issues.

However, it appears Sturridge is well ahead of schedule in his recovery as the Mirror are one of several newspapers who are reporting today that the striker has been given the green light to return to training within the next fortnight. The clip shows him doing some finishing work with the help of a trainer.

Daniel Sturridge is set to return to return to Liverpool in two weeks time, and is said to be targeting the club’s clash with Manchester United at the start of September as his first game back, the Daily Express reports.

He has scored 53 goals in 94 appearances.

Meanwhile, compatriot Philippe Coutinho is priced at 14/1 (15.00) to build on last season’s inclusion in the Premier League Team of the Year by adding a killer instinct to his creative ability, while new signing Danny Ings is also available at those odds after hitting 11 for relegated Burnley last time out.

Sturridge has not made a competitive appearance for Liverpool for around four months, but he is hoping to be able to place himself at manager Brendan Rodgers’ disposal soon, as he eyes a return to full training this month.

The Liverpool forward wrote on the photo-sharing app: “Closer …”