Liverpool blow for Manchester United trip as top player is ruled out

Daniel Sturridge is unable to rejoin first-team training until the end of the week at the earliest... and that rules him OUT of a return against Manchester United.

Liverpool were desperately hoping their star striker would be back to full fitness for the defining visit to Old Trafford that comes immediately after this international break.

But even though the England international has spent the last month stepping up his rehabilitation following hip surgery and has been doing individual work at the club’s Melwood training HQ, he is not yet ready to join in full contact with his teammates.

And that is a big blow for the Anfield giants as another of their most important players, midfielder Philippe Coutinho, is already suspended for the United trip after picking up two yellow cards against West Ham on Saturday.

Frontman Sturridge has sent out a series of positive messages since entering rehab, but it was originally thought he may not be back to full fitness until November.

Even though that date has been revised, it seems the September 12 trip to Manchester was far too optimistic a goal.

Instead, if he gets the all-clear at the end of this week, Sturridge will come back into full training when the international break finishes and then would most likely aim for a return before October.