Liverpool injury news: Daniel Sturridge in line to start against Arsenal as Reds look to keep Champions League hopes alive

Sturridge missed England's last two matches with a hip injury

Daniel Sturridge could return from a hip injury to face Arsenal (Getty Images)

Daniel Sturridge is in line to return from the injury that ruled him out of England’s win over Lithuania and draw in Italy to lead Liverpool’s attack when they travel to Arsenal on Saturday in a bid to keep their last-four hopes alive.

Sturridge picked up a hip injury in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last time out, though he did manage to get on the scoresheet with a consolation for the Reds and saw out the full 90 minutes without needing to be substituted.

Liverpool need to beat the Gunners to get themselves back in the top-four reckoning. As things stand, they trail fourth-place United by five points following the defeat at Anfield, and another loss could see them slip eight points off the Champions League qualifying places with seven games left to play this season.

It’s for that reason that manager Brendan Rodgers is likely to start Sturridge providing he is fit enough to do so. The striker was ruled out of England’s 4-0 Euro 2016 qualifier victory over Lithuania last week, and went on to withdraw from the squad completely before they flew to Turin for the 1-1 draw with the Italians.

Midfielder Adam Lallana also withdrew from the England squad before the Lithuania match at Wembley, but his groin injury is not serious and he is also in contention to face the Gunners in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off.

Sturridge suffered the hip injury in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United (Getty Images)

Dejan Lovren could return in defence given that Martin Skrtel starts his three-match ban after the Football Association ruled he deliberately stamped on United goalkeeper David De Gea, while the Reds will also be without captain Steven Gerrard, who is also banned for his reckless tackle on Ander Herrera just 38 seconds after coming onto the field a fortnight ago.