Liverpool's striker could make comeback against Manchester United

Daniel Sturridge is targeting his return for Liverpool against Manchester United in just a month's time.

England striker Sturridge has been given the all-clear to return to training within the next fortnight after missing virtually all last season.

Sturridge was told he could be out until November after undergoing surgery in New York in May to solve his chronic hip problem.

But the 25-year-old has remained in the States since then to go through an intensive rehabilitation process, and that has paid dividends with the green light to return to training much sooner than expected.

He will fly back to the UK this weekend to complete his rehab, before joining his team-mates towards the end of the month to begin full training.

And if all goes well, he can target the visit to Old Trafford on September 12 as his comeback date.

Sturridge hasn't played since the FA Cup win at Blackburn in April.

Serious hip, thigh and calf problems restricted him to just 18 appearances last season.

While Sturridge is plotting his return to the side, youngster Jordon Ibe has done enough in pre-season to grab a starting place for the opening weekend visit to Stoke, after impressing in the friendly games.

Ibe seems certain to get the nod ahead of £45m pair Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana as boss Brendan Rodgers unveils a new-look front line led by summer signing Christian Benteke.

The Reds' manager has confirmed he will give the 19-year-old a major opportunity this season, and Ibe explained he has developed fast over the summer after doing extra sessions with Academy boss Alex Inglethorpe — and Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish.

Ibe was hailed as the new Raheem Sterling after making his debut in the Mersey derby last season, and he believes his early return this summer has pushed him on a step.

“The manager suggested I do some extra training and I'm definitely feeling the benefits of that," he said.