Daniel Sturridge 'poised for early Liverpool return from ankle injury'

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is reportedly in contention to return to first-team action against Stoke City on Sunday.

The England international has not played for the Reds since suffering ankle ligament damage during a training session in November.

After initially being ruled out for six to eight weeks at the beginning of December, he could make his return against Stoke, according to ESPN.

Reports have claimed that the 24-year-old came through an intensive training session on Monday, putting himself in contention for a place in manager Brendan Rodgers's matchday squad.

Sturridge has scored 11 goals in 14 appearances for Liverpool this season.