25 Apr 2014

Sturridge hopeful of returning against Chelsea

11:23 am on 25 April 2014

The Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is optimistic of returning from injury for the key clash against former team mates and title rivals Chelsea at Anfield on Monday in a boost for the Premier League football leaders.

Liverpool, chasing their first league title since 1990, have won their last 11 league matches and are five points clear of second-placed Chelsea with three games remaining.

Third-placed Manchester City are a further point adrift with a game in hand.

Sturridge missed Liverpool's 3-2 win at Norwich City last weekend due to a muscle strain the England forward picked up in the previous 3-2 win over Manchester City.

The 24-year-old has formed a lethal partnership with Suarez since joining Liverpool from Chelsea in January last year and he said he would have no problem celebrating if the Reds won.

Chelsea have lost regular goalkeeper Petr Cech for the rest of the season and are also without injured skipper John Terry in defence.

Manager Jose Mourinho has suggested the Londoners could field a second string team, with Chelsea more focused on their Champions League home semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Thursday.