Forgotten man Daniel Sturridge is to return to Liverpool training in the next fortnight, and is targeting a return against Man United next month.

The news is reported by several of the Liverpool correspondents in Wednesday’s papers, with Paul Joyce writing that Sturridge “is expected to be back at Melwood before the end of the month, with Liverpool pencilling in his long-awaited comeback after the international break in September.”

David Maddock explains: “He will fly back to the UK this weekend to complete his rehab, before joining his team-mates towards the end of the month to begin full training.”

Liverpool host Man United on September 12th – the first game after the international break.

If that game arrives too soon, Liverpool’s next game is their Europa League group opener five days later, which would be an ideal opportunity to ease Sturridge back into fitness.

The 25-year-old striker managed just 18 appearances for the Reds last season and last played in April. He underwent an operation on his hip in New York in May and has continued his rehabilitation in America all summer.

Initial reports had suggested it would be mid-to-late October by the time Sturridge would be back available again.

Sturridge’s return, whenever it arrives, will open an interesting selection headache for Brendan Rodgers – how does he accommodate both Sturridge and new signing Christian Benteke – and while also involving Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino?

Meanwhile, Joe Allen is set to miss Sunday’s season opener at stoke City due to the hamstring injury he picked up against HJK Helsinki last weekend.