Daniel Sturridge injury: Huge blow to Liverpool top four hopes as striker out again

Daniel Sturridge has suffered yet another injury setback that could have a major impact on Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

The striker was sent home from England duty with a hip problem and according to reports it could be worse than first feared. It's understood that the 25-year-old suffered a torn hip muscle during Liverpool's most recent game, the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

"When we did the scan and it turned out that there was a problem he was absolutely devastated, because he didn’t want to leave us. There was no option because he has a slight tear and you can’t play through that."

Liverpool's defeat to Manchester United left them five points adrift of the top four, but with tough fixtures for all the sides in contention for the Champions League qualification places to come, the Reds haven't given up hope of improving on their current position. They play away at Arsenal this weekend.