Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge could be sidelined until the new year after his latest injury setback.

The 25-year-old underwent scans on Wednesday after pulling out of a training session earlier this week with a thigh problem. While the injury is not a recurrence of the one he sustained on international duty with England in early September, Press Association Sport understands it could keep him out for up to six weeks.

Sturridge has not played for his club since August 31 as he strained a calf on his return to training after recovery from his initial thigh injury, but he was in line to feature at Crystal Palace this weekend.

“Liverpool Football Club today confirmed scans have revealed Daniel Sturridge has sustained a new thigh injury,” said a statement from the club. “The player will remain unavailable for selection but will be monitored and assessed during his recovery.”

Sturridge has not played for his club since August 31st, after which he injured his thigh on England duty.

His first comeback was scuppered by a calf problem as he attempted to rejoin full training in October.

Rodgers’ side, who also lost Sturridge’s prolific former strike partner Luis Suarez to Barcelona in the summer, have labored to 11th place in the Barclays Premier League.

The reliable output of the “SAS” pairing has been replaced inadequately thus far by Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini, with the Reds scoring just 14 times in 11 league matches.

Sturridge’s initial injury, following his appearance in the 1-0 win over Norway, caused a club versus country skirmish as Rodgers questioned England’s recovery programme for the striker.

There will be no repeat on this occasion, with Sturridge not fit enough to join up with the Three Lions during the international break and instead managed at close quarters at Melwood.

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