PHOTO: Daniel Sturridge returns to Liverpool training

Daniel Sturridge is already on the mend.

The Liverpool striker, who has missed the club's last two matches after picking up a thigh strain while away on international duty, tweeted the following photo Wednesday showing him on the training pitch:

The 25-year-old is a vital member of Brendan Rodgers's squad, as evidenced by Liverpool's substandard performances in the two matches that he has missed - a loss to Aston Villa and a last-gasp win over Ludogorets last night in the Champions League.

It was initially expected he would be out of action for nearly three weeks, so this development will provide supporters with some optimism over the possibility of a swift return and a rekindling of the attacking partnership with Mario Balotelli.