Daniel Sturridge had only made four appearances this season before tonight’s match at St. Mary’s Stadium, where Liverpool faced off against Southampton for a spot in the Capital One Cup semifinals. The match marked the striker’s first start since Oct. 4, with various injuries throughout the calendar year limiting the England international to 262 minutes since April.

Whatever rust Sturridge built up during his time out, it was shaken off by the 25th minute, when this shot from the right side of Southampton’s penalty area produced the 26-year-old’s first goal since Sept. 26. Courtesy of beIN SPORTS:

Four minutes later, Sturridge doubled his haul. Though a Saido Mane header had given Southampton a lead after 39 seconds, Sturridge’s quick brace had swung the game Liverpool’s way just before the half-hour mark, with this lovely pass from Emre Can helping the returning striker rejoice in his full debut under Jurgen Klopp:

At the time of this post, Liverpool leads Southampton 3-1, with Alberto Moreno atoning for his first minute defensive error with a goal just before halftime.