Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has praised the fitness of striker Daniel Sturridge ahead of the new Premier League season.

The England international has been hampered by injury problems over the past few years, and he has failed to keep his place in Klopp's team as a result.

Last season, Sturridge made just 27 appearances in all competitions, and in only 11 of those matches was he named in the first XI.

After falling down the pecking order behind Divock Origi, doubts were cast over the forward's long-term future at Anfield, but Klopp has been impressed by Sturridge during pre-season.

"Good, very good. Daniel has been a part of full pre-season so far," the Liverpool Echo quotes Klopp as saying. "It's been quite intense but he's been part of pretty much every session.

"It's the best condition I've seen from him since I'm here. I came in October 2015 and Daniel, I think, was probably injured. Last pre-season was after a tournament and only a short break, but this year he has had a proper break and is in a good physical shape, absolutely."

Liverpool will kick off their league campaign with a trip to Watford on August 12.