Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Daniel Sturridge is expected to return to training in September following hip surgery.
Reports emerged overnight claiming that the England international is unlikely to play again until November, but Rodgers has suggested that a shorter layoff is expected.
In this morning's press conference, Rodgers told reporters: "We anticipate Daniel will be back in training around September time. We're hopeful issues he's had have been resolved.
"I think with Daniel it has been ongoing. He has had a number of issues that aren't related to the operation, but hopefully this can cure of a lot of the problems he's had. He's been a big miss for us, but once he's fully fit he can be a key player.
"Obviously he's looking at getting into training around then, and it's about regaining your football fitness, which takes a bit of time."
Sturridge has started just seven Premier League games this season due to numerous injury woes.