Premier League club Liverpool was dealt a blow on Friday after England striker Daniel Sturridge suffered a calf strain in training, which is expected to leave him sidelined for a further two to four weeks.

The 25-year old, who has featured in just three league matches this season for the Reds, suffered the latest setback having only recovered from a thigh injury sustained during England’s 1-0 win over Norway in a friendly last month.

Sturridge had been expected to make his long awaited comeback from that initial injury in the Premier League match at Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, but is now set to miss the club’s next seven matches.

According to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, ”It is a big blow as we were looking forward to welcoming Daniel back,” adding that ”we have other players working hard and we will turn to them. It’s why we bulked up the squad in the summer.”

Liverpool have struggled without the England striker’s influence this season, having benefitted from his form alongside now former strike partner Luis Suarez last season, which saw him score 25 goals in all competitions for the Reds.