Liverpool's Sturridge edges closer to return, decision could be made Friday

Impressive performances in training have led Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers to voice his confidence about the imminent return of striker Daniel Sturridge.

While a return to action Saturday against West Ham hasn't been ruled out, Rodgers says a decision about his inclusion will be made Friday after the pair have a discussion to determine whether the striker is fit to play.

"The team is becoming better and better, and when you throw Daniel into that, he shines a different light and adds another dimension. He's looked very, very good in training today, he was outstanding," Rodgers told reporters.

"But we'll give him another day and I'll have another chat with him tomorrow just to see where he's at, but he looks in top-class condition."

Sturridge has been training with the first team for the past two weeks since returning from a rehabilitation program in the United States, and, despite taking a cautious approach, has exceeded the Liverpool boss' expectations with each passing day.

"In the last few days, and in particular this morning, he was brilliant. He's been really dynamic, fast, strong in the finish and sharp. But we have to be careful with him as well. 

"He's been sidelined for a long while and we can't put all the pressure on him and say he's going to be the saving grace when he's on the pitch again. We'll definitely be a better team with Dan than without."

Sturridge has been out of the Liverpool squad for close to a month since suffering a thigh injury. He should provide a much-needed scoring boost to a team that's running low on scoring options.