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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is optimistic that Daniel Sturridge will return to action against Southampton on Sunday.

The England striker showed his class by scoring twice in the Reds 3-2 win over Aston Villa at the end of last month and also started Brendan Rodgers' final game - the 1-1 Merseyside derby draw.

However, the injury-hit star wasn't risked by his new manager in his first game on Saturday, the 0-0 draw at Tottenham after a training ground knock, although he did travel with the side.

(Image: Reuters / Phil Noble)

Klopp, who has stated he has "100 per cent trust" in his ability to get the best out of the 26-year-old on a regular basis, will go without him against Rubin Kazan in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

But the new Anfield messiah has pencilled in the former Chelsea man for Sunday's clash against Ronald Koeman's Saints.

"[Daniel] Sturridge is getting better and better," declared Klopp.

“Yesterday he was outside for the first time since Saturday. It was okay. The target for him is Sunday, for sure. That’s what we are try to do.”

Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Dejan Lovren have also returned to training, but according to Klopp are "no option" for either of this week's matches.

In pictures - Liverpool train ahead of Rubin Kazan

"[They're] More options but not really starting options," said Klopp.

"We will see what we need for this game. It's very good for us that these players are back."

And the Reds chief also added both Joe Gomez and Danny Ings have both undergone successful operations on their respective knee injuries.

"Ings and Gomez had their operations. It was a positive operation and they are on their way back. No complications."