Sturridge not ready to start, says Rodgers

The England international made his return from injury on Saturday, coming off the bench to net in his side's 2-0 victory over West Ham at Anfield.

Sturridge's absence has been a blow for Rodgers' side, who made a slow start to the campaign and sit seventh in the Premier League.

Despite his team chasing a top-four finish, Rodgers said he would play it safe with Sturridge.

"He lights up this team. He provides the light," the Northern Irishman told the British media.

"When you add a top-class player like him to it, you can go to another level. When he came on, the team looked very, very good.

"He’s still a bit of time off starting and it’s just about bedding him back in.

"But to know that he's there over the next few weeks when it will be about regaining his football fitness."

Sturridge scored 21 league goals - second only to the departed Luis Suarez - as Liverpool finished runners-up to Manchester City last season.