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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will push Daniel Sturridge to declare himself fit for Saturday’s showdown with Arsenal.

The Reds’ trip to the Emirates could well decide their Champions League fate, and Rodgers is ­desperate for his England striker to play.

First reports suggested the hip injury which ruled Sturridge out of international duty this week could sideline the player for at least a month, as he returned to Merseyside for treatment.

But the Anfield medical team have assessed the slight tear Sturridge suffered in his hip flexor muscle, and they believe he should be fit enough to face the Gunners.

(Image: Getty)

Sturridge picked up the injury during the disappointing defeat by bitter rivals Manchester United which ­delivered a serious set back to Liverpool’s top four hopes.

And with both Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel both suspended for the visit to the Emirates, and Adam Lallana an injury doubt after pulling out of the England squad, Rodgers is keen for Sturridge to make himself available.

The Anfield manager has long spoken of the need for his free scoring striker to play more games if he is ever to fulfil his potential and reach a genuine world class level.

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There is a feeling Sturridge needs to feel 100 per cent on top of his game to play freely, but the Reds believe if they can persuade their striker to fight through his lingering sense of pain, it will provide some much needed momentum at Arsenal.

The England star has missed more than half the season so far with two different injuries, and there has been some frustration amongst the fans as the club’s Champions’ League challenge has suffered.

The prognosis for the weekend though is better than expected, and while the decision ultimately lies with ­Sturridge, the Reds are still hopeful he will provide an important boost by making the trip to London.

Daniel Sturridge's 2014/15 PL season 12 Games 4 Goals

If the centre-forward doesn’t make it, then Raheem Sterling will be used as a striker, despite his own injury problems, which have seen him play with injections for a toe injury.

Liverpool’s doctor travelled to Wembley last Friday night to adminster the injection to allow him to play in the qualifer against Lithuania, and then national team boss Roy Hodgson excused him the trip to Italy to allow the player to recover for the Arsenal game.

Rodgers does at least have Lucas back from injury and available to face the Gunners, while he is also hoping Dejan Lovren will be fit enough to replace the suspended Skrtel.