Daniel Sturridge returns to Liverpool training after lengthy lay-off

Daniel Sturridge has taken a significant step toward his first Liverpool appearance since April after returning to training on Thursday, having missed all of the club’s pre-season.

The striker was pictured at their Melwood training base and will hope to return for the Merseysiders – who have managed two goals from three Premier League matches this season – sooner rather than later.

Sturridge made only 18 appearances for Liverpool last term during an injury-plagued campaign, and his fitness problems contributed to the summer signing of Christian Benteke from Aston Villa for £32.5m.