Daniel Sturridge: Liverpool striker 'anxious' about return

Sturridge has not played since England's win over Norway on 3 September

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is "anxious and excited" as he prepares to return from five months out injured.

The 25-year-old also told BBC Radio 5 live that the mental side of his game has improved during his layoff.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will decide on Friday if Sturridge will play Saturday's game against West Ham.

Sturridge said: "I'm just focusing on training hard and whenever the staff feel is the right time for me to get back involved I will be."

The former Chelsea striker has not played since suffering a thigh injury while on England duty in September. Since then he has injured his calf and thigh again.

Sturridge, who had been expected to take on a key role following striker Luis Suarez's move to Barcelona, scored once in his three games for Liverpool before his injury.

In his absence, Rickie Lambert is the club's top-scoring striker with three goals. Midfielder Steven Gerrard is their overall top scorer with nine.

Sturridge added: "I'm just looking forward to getting back involved - that's the main thing for me. I'm feeling great. I can't wait to get back playing again.

"It's been very frustrating but it's all a learning curve - these experiences help you learn something new. It's been great for the mental side of my game, I've improved that."

Liverpool manager Rodgers said: "He has looked outstanding in training, but we will give him another day.

"I will have a chat with him and overview the week, how everything has gone, but I can tell he is happy and feeling very strong in his own body. At this moment, he looks in top-class condition."

Sturridge has not played with Gerrard since the revelation that the Liverpool captain will join LA Galaxy this summer.

'Gerrard can be future Liverpool boss'

He believes Gerrard has the necessary attributes to manage the club at some point in the coming years.

"Words can't describe what he's done for Liverpool as well as his country," Sturridge said. "He's still a role model of mine. I look up to him, I think everyone in the squad does. He'll be sorely missed - he's somebody who's given me a lot of experience and helped me to improve as a person and a footballer.

"He's still one of the best players. He'll be hard to replace from a footballing side, let alone in the dressing room.

"It's been a pleasure to play with him. I'm devastated he's leaving. I think he'll be at the club in some capacity very soon and I'm sure he'll manage the club one day."