Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey believes that Daniel Sturridge's return from injury will coincide with an improved run of form for the Reds.

The England international has been absent since August with consecutive thigh and calf problems, and Brendan Rodgers's side have slipped to 11th in the Premier League.

Sturridge resumed training with the first team earlier this week, and Heskey tipped the side's fortunes to improve.

"[Sturridge] has got the qualities that Michael [Owen] had when I was playing - when he's not there, you certainly do miss him. It will be massive [to have him back]," he told the club's official website.

"And when he comes back, he gives you a lift. He doesn't necessarily have to perform well, but he actually gives you a lift to go and perform yourself.

"Having Sturridge coming back will probably give them a little bit of a spark and hopefully kick them into gear to actually go on a little bit of a run."

Sturridge, who scored 21 goals for the Reds last season, could be available for the trip to Crystal Palace on November 23.