Brendan's update on Sturridge comeback
Daniel Sturridge is scheduled to arrive back in England in the next 24 hours as the Liverpool striker maintains his progress towards a return from injury later this month.
The 25-year-old has not featured for the Reds since the final day of August due to a series of setbacks that have prevented a full comeback to first-team duties.
After suffering a new thigh problem in November, Sturridge has recently spent time in the United States to undergo specialist rehabilitation.
Brendan Rodgers was asked for an update on the Englishman's condition at a Melwood press conference today and revealed encouraging news.
"He's at a very late stage, he's going to be back into the country over the next 24 hours - which is great," the Northern Irishman explained to reporters.
"He's into the final stages of rehab. We're looking forward to having him back. The work that he's done in America has been fantastic; he has been very well supported out there.
"He has obviously travelled about to get some of the best people in the world, specialising in his rehabilitation. He'll now come back and finish it off here.
"We're hoping that at some part in January he'll be ready to come back into the team and the squad, and help us to achieve something in the second part of the season."
The boss continued: "We just need to assess him first, just to see where he's at and get the feeling from him. We've taken our time on this one.
"We're trying to look after the medium and long-term here, so he won't be rushed. If we feel it's the right thing to get him playing some practice games and training - then back into the first team - we'll assess that.
"It's difficult to forecast, especially with injuries. You can put a date and they come back earlier. You can put the same date and it might take a bit more time.
"We just need to assess it; we've had a lot of collaboration with our people in America, a lot of great work has gone in - video links and everything has been in place.
"We've been monitoring his situation and he looks in a really good moment. Hopefully, coming back at this late stage, he won't be too far away. But we'll just assess that when he does get back."
It was two years ago this month that Sturridge first walked through the doors at Melwood, joining Liverpool from Barclays Premier League rivals Chelsea.
His goal record since the transfer stands at 36 in 52 appearances, and Rodgers is hopeful that, given time to wholly recuperate, the No.15 can continue his impact.
The manager reflected: "It was a couple of years ago that he came in January and made a great impact. He has been fantastic when he has been fit here.
"He's a top-class player that has got a wonderful idea of the game and wonderful qualities. You put him into any team and it makes them a better team.
"His pace is frightening, his touch, his movement; he has come here and also improved the defensive part of his game in order to press well - he does that very, very well. As a footballer, he is at a great age. We're hoping that he can stay fit and lead the charge for us over the next few years."
To watch today's press conference in full, head to LFCTV GO.