Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge could continue to stay on the sidelines for up to a month after suffering a calf strain in training.
The England international suffered an initial thigh strain on international duty in September and had been sidelined for six weeks.
He was expected to return for the Anfield club in Saturday’s Premier League game against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, haven returned to full training during the international break.
But manager Brendan Rodgers has now disclosed to the Liverpool Echo that the25-year-old “is looking to be out for another two to four weeks”.
“It’s a big blow as we were looking forward to welcoming Daniel back. He has worked tirelessly,” the northern Irish boss said.
Sturridge, who scored 25 goals in all competitions last season, had played just three league games this season and could now miss Liverpool’s upcoming seven matches, including next Wednesday’s Champions League game against Real Madrid at Anfield, with the return leg at the Bernabeu a fortnight later also in doubt.
Rodgers added: “But we have other players training hard and working hard and will turn to them. It’s why we bulked up the squad in the summer.”
This is a big setback for the team… I wish him fast recovery
Sturridge you are in trouble again and he might loose form when is not playing for some time