Liverpool hopeful Daniel Sturridge will be free of injury before new season

Liverpool hope to have striker Daniel Sturridge fit for the start of the season after he was injured on international duty.

Sturridge limped off in England's friendly against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley last week amid fears that he had ligament damage and would be out for three to four months.

Liverpool's medical staff have had to wait for the swelling to subside before they could assess the damage and after seeing a specialist he has been diagnosed with an ankle sprain.

While they have not put a timescale on his recovery, the club remain hopeful he will be available for the start of the new season.