Liverpool ace Daniel Sturridge is likely to miss the rest of the season as he recovers from his injury problems, according to reports from the Daily Star.

Sturridge has been suffering with injuries for the majority of the campaign, and is set to be unavailable as they attempt to finish in the top four and qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The Reds have the opportunity to cut the seven point gap between themselves and Manchester United to just four if they beat Hull City in their game in hand on Tuesday.

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But manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he is unwilling to risk his star striker, and that he hopes Sturridge will be back to full fitness before the start of next season.

Brendan Rodgers said: "We'll see if he's going to be back this season or pre-season.

"The key now is getting him back consistent and playing for the team.

"We'll do what's in his best interest. We have to protect Daniel and make sure he's going to be here over the next number of years, playing and playing to the level we all know he can.

"When he's been fit he's been brilliant for the team, the key now is to see if we can get him back fit and consistently playing.

"It has been difficult for Daniel. He is a good lad who obviously wants to play, wants to be working and helping the team.

"But it has just been one of those seasons for him."

After battling Manchester City and coming close to winning the league last year, Rodgers believes that they can become title contenders once again after a few new signings, with a striker being the priority.

"It's small in terms of what we need, but it's key to how we can function," he added.

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