Rodgers: No pressure on Sturridge

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Daniel Sturridge is under no pressure to rush his return to full fitness following his first appearance in over five months.

The striker was back in action in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Norwich City after a lengthy lay-off with a hip injury.

He was also limited to just 12 appearances last season due to various muscle injuries and Rodgers insisted there is no need for Sturridge to rush him into match fitness.

"I felt it was important to get him on the field," he said after the game. "I thought he did well for the hour that he played.

"He's still a way off his full fitness but his presence and stature in the game will always give us hope because he's got big quality.

"I think it's just about games for him, building his fitness and there's no pressure for him to do that."