Sturridge joins Liverpool squad to play Real Madrid

Thegoalmac can reveal that Daniel Sturridge has joined the rest of the Liverpool squad on their flight to Madrid ahead of their Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday, but manager Brendan Rodgers says he is "very unlikely" be feature.

 The striker has not made an appearance for the Reds since August after suffering a thigh strain while on international duty with England, before picking up a calf injury in October.

Rodgers initially feared the former Chelsea striker could be set for a further four weeks on the sidelines, but his presence on the squad's plane to the Spanish capital suggests he is nearing a return to full fitness.

Tuesday's clash at the Santiago Bernabeu will probably come too soon, however, with Rodgers admitting: "With Daniel we will see how he responds, but it’s highly unlikely he will be fit."

Sturridge posted a picture on his Instagram account of Raheem Sterling, Lazar Markovic, Dejan Lovren and himself on a plane, accompanied with the caption: "Madrid bound with the boys."