Liverpool buoyed by Sturridge prognosis ahead of Norwich clash

Daniel Sturridge has a chance of playing in Liverpool's visit to Norwich City on Sunday after scans revealed he suffered a small hamstring strain against Manchester City.

The Liverpool striker was withdrawn in the 66th minute of Sunday's 3-2 win over City, a result that has left Brendan Rodgers's team four wins away from the Premier League title, having fallen awkwardly under a challenge from Pablo Zabaleta.

Sturridge has received treatment at the club’s Melwood training ground this week and Liverpool will give the England international every opportunity to prove his fitness for the trip to Carrow Road.

A statement released by Liverpool on Wednesday read: “Sturridge has undergone further assessment with the club’s medical team at Melwood and a small strain was detected following a scan. The 24-year-old will now undergo a treatment programme in order to try and be available for the trip to Carrow Road.”

Sturridge has scored 20 Premier League goals in Liverpool's remarkable pursuit of a first league title since 1990 and, though he struggled against City, his absence would be a concern for Rodgers with just four games to go. The former Chelsea striker missed nine matches earlier in the season with an ankle ligament injury and, though Luis Suarez produced a phenomenal goalscoring return in that period, the duo have been instrumental in Liverpool's title challenge.

The Liverpool manager is already without the influential – and previously ever-present – Jordan Henderson for games against Neil Adams's team, Chelsea and Crystal Palace after the midfielder was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Samir Nasri on Sunday.

Norwich, however, have proven a fruitful source of points and goals for Liverpool in recent seasons. The league leaders have won their last four encounters by an aggregate score of 18-3 with Suarez responsible for 11 of their goals. The Uruguay international scored four times in December's 5-1 win over Norwich and has produced hat-tricks on his last two visits to Carrow Road.

Guardian Service