Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge targets quick recovery from injury

Striker hopeful of being fit for Monday match against West Brom

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is hopeful of being fit for next Monday's Barclays Premier League clash with West Brom at Anfield.

Sturridge has been forced to pull out of the England squad for this week's friendly against Brazil at Wembley with a thigh problem.

The 23-year-old suffered the injury in the 2-2 draw at Manchester City on Sunday, a game in which he also netted his fourth goal since joining Liverpool from Chelsea last month.

"I got a knock on my quad and I'm going to get a scan on it," he told the club's official website.

"Hopefully it's not too serious and I'll be okay for next week's game."

Sturridge was injured in the first half at the Etihad Stadium but played on until being replaced in the 89th minute.

He reported for international duty but a decision was made to withdraw after speaking to manager Roy Hodgson.

Liverpool now hope victory over the Baggies can keep them in contention for a place in the top four.

The point against the champions came after another 2-2 draw at Arsenal - two encouraging results from which the Reds believe they could have claimed even more.

Sturridge said: "In our last two games we have played against two great clubs and deserved to win both of the games.

"We'll regroup and get ready for our next game against West Bromwich Albion, which is another massive game for us because they are also challenging for the top places.

"We are nine points off the top four so it's not a massive gap to try and recoup so hopefully we'll be able to do that - we believe we can."

PA