Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has not given up hope of Daniel Sturridge playing some part in the Merseyside derby.

The England striker has been sorely missed by the Reds since sustaining a thigh injury on international duty earlier this month but is inching ever closer to a comeback.

In his absence Rodgers’ side have lost to Aston Villa and West Ham, snuck a last-gasp win over Ludogorets in the Champions League and required penalties to see off Middlesbrough in the League Cup.

“We’ll be very happy to have him back and we hope that can be this weekend,” said the Northern Irishman.

“We’ve got a number of injuries that we’re going to give every chance to.

“He (Sturridge) is a player who’s out on the field working. Him and a number of others we’ll just assess nearer the time.”

Another of Rodgers’ talented young England stars, Raheem Sterling, has been linked this week with Real Madrid.

“It shows that he’s playing exceptionally well,” said Rodgers.

“I think you could probably link Raheem with every club in the world at the moment. He’s a fantastic young talent.”