Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed that Daniel Sturridge could make his return to action in this Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield.

The 25-year-old has not played since he suffered a thigh strain while training with England earlier this month.

While Rodgers has not given an exact date on the striker's return, the Northern Irishman has suggested that Sturridge could make an appearance against Liverpool's local rivals this weekend.

"Daniel is responding well to treatment," Rodgers said in this afternoon's press conference. "He is near to fitness. If he doesn't make Saturday he won't be far away after that."

Meanwhile, Rodgers has brushed away rumours linking Raheem Sterling to Spanish giants Real Madrid.