Liverpool injury news: Raheem Sterling set to miss Tottenham clash but Daniel Sturridge ready for first start since August

Sterling picked up a foot injury in the 0-0 draw with Everton

Raheem Sterling will miss tonight's game against Spurs (Getty Images)

Liverpool could face in-form Tottenham without the influential Raheem Sterling after the England midfielder picked up a “knock” in the 0-0 Merseyside derby draw with Everton on Saturday.

Sterling was forced off the field at Goodison Park with eight minutes remaining after suffering a foot injury, and he has not recovered in time to feature in the home match against Spurs, who are coming off the back of their own derby jubilation having dispatched north London rivals Arsenal at the weekend.

Reports suggest that the Reds will be without Sterling for tonight’s match at least, but that could pave the way for Daniel Sturridge to return to the starting line-up. The England striker recently returned from a lengthy injury lay-off after suffering calf and thigh knocks, and he could start his first match since the corresponding fixture at White Hart Lane last August, when the Reds ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers revealed on Monday that an “incredible offer” has been on the table for Sterling for the past month, with the Anfield club determined to tie down his long-term future with both Real Madrid and Chelsea believed to be interested in his services.

However, Rodgers also sent out a warning to Sterling that the club will not be held to ransom, and with reports emerging on Tuesday that Sterling is believed to have rejected an offer in the hope of holding out for a wage in the region of £120,000-a-week. Should that prove to be the case, Rodgers will face a tough decision of whether to continue negotiations with the 19-year-old, or risk losing one of the brightest young talents to have ever emerged at Liverpool.

Liverpool also have concerns over the fitness of midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who has enjoyed a resurgence in form of late after a disappointing start to the season. The belief is that he should be fit enough to take part in the match against Spurs, but Liverpool’s run of three games in seven days could see Rodgers rest the Brazilian in a bid to manage his squad.

Coutinho faces a late fitness test for tonight's game against Spurs (Getty Images)

Lucas Leiva will definitely miss the clash after being ruled out for at least a month having injured his thigh, and the fear is that the defensive midfielder – who has been pivotal to the Reds’ resurgence of late – could miss up to six weeks of action.