Further injury setback for Sturridge

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge could be sidelined until the new year after his latest injury setback.

The 25-year-old underwent scans on Wednesday after pulling out of a training session earlier this week with a thigh problem.

While the injury is not a recurrence of the one he sustained on international duty with England in early September, it could keep him out for up to six weeks.

Sturridge has not played for his club since August 31 as he strained a calf on his return to training after recovery from his initial thigh injury, but he was in line to feature at Crystal Palace this weekend.

“Liverpool Football Club today confirmed scans have revealed Daniel Sturridge has sustained a new thigh injury,” said a statement from the club.

“The player will remain unavailable for selection but will be monitored and assessed during his recovery.”

Since joining the club in January 2013 the striker has played in 52 of the 82 matches available but has been injured 13 different times.

His absence puts further pressure on summer signings Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert who, along with fellow forward Fabio Borini, have yet to score a Premier League goal this season.

Sturridge has already missed 14 matches in the current campaign and he could miss a further 11 before he regains full fitness.

His continued absence will be a blow to the club's attempts to not only improve their 11th place position in the league but progress in the Champions League.

They have not scored in the last three matches in Europe and are at risk of being eliminated unless they can end that run against Ludogorets next week and Basle in December.