Liverpool have been dealt a major blow ahead of the busy festive fixtures after Daniel Sturridge suffered suspected ankle ligament damage in training on Friday.

All major newspapers are reporting the news that Sturridge rolled his left ankle in the latter stages of the training session. He left the club’s training ground on crutches.

The Telegraph report:

The England striker was sent for a scan and was still awaiting the full results of that assessment last night, but if it is ligament damage he could be out for a minimum of six weeks.

Sturridge suffered a similar injury earlier this year in a friendly for England, in his right ankle, which required two months on the sidelines.

The Guardian write that Liverpool “are braced for bad news” once the scan results return.

Sturridge’s extended absence is a major blow with three games inside seven days, followed by trips to Tottenham, Man City and Chelsea all in December.

Brendan Rodgers will likely opt to change to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Victor Moses on the left of the three, Philippe Coutinho in the “number 10” role, and Jordan Henderson drifting inside from the right.

Earlier today we identified five players who can benefit from the busy run of fixtures.

Update: Liverpool FC confirmed on Saturday that Sturridge “will be assessed by the club’s medical staff today after the striker rolled his ankle in training”.