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Daniel Sturridge faces a race against time to be fit for the Merseyside derby later this month.

Scans have revealed that the Liverpool FC striker will be ruled out for two to three weeks due to the thigh injury he suffered on international duty.

Sturridge will miss the Reds’ home Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Saturday as well as next Tuesday’s opening Champions League group match against Ludogorets at Anfield.

The prolific 25-year-old frontman is also doubtful for next weekend’s trip to West Ham and is unlikely to feature against Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup the following Tuesday.

However, Liverpool are hopeful Sturridge will have recovered in time to face Everton at Anfield on Saturday, September 27.

The England international tormented the Blues last term - coming off the bench to score a last-gasp equaliser in the 3-3 draw at Goodison before bagging a stunning double in the 4-0 win at Anfield.

Sturridge limped out of training with England last Friday and was forced to sit out their Euro 2016 qualifying victory over Switzerland on Monday night.

He returned to Melwood for treatment and initial fears about a long spell on the sidelines have now been eased after he was diagnosed with a minor thigh strain.

Sturridge has recovered from previous injuries ahead of schedule and medical staff believe he could yet play some part against West Ham but the Merseyside derby is regarded as a more realistic target for his comeback.

Losing Sturridge is a blow for Brendan Rodgers as the Reds look to build on their impressive 3-0 win over Tottenham prior to the international break.

However, the Liverpool boss does have plenty of attacking options as he looks to fill the void created by the absence of last season’s 24-goal hitman.

He could hand a full debut to Rickie Lambert alongside Mario Balotelli against Villa or promote Lazar Markovic, Philippe Coutinho or Adam Lallana to his starting line up.

Lallana, a £23million summer signing from Southampton, is ready to take his bow for the club after proving he has fully recovered from the knee injury he suffered in pre-season.