Daniel Sturridge: Liverpool must be careful not to 'break' him

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge's return to action must be managed carefully to ensure it does not "break" him, says Reds manager Brendan Rodgers.

Sturridge, 26, scored twice in Saturday's 3-2 win over Aston Villa - his second appearance of the season since a hip injury suffered in April.

"We have seen from the game at the weekend he is still building his way towards full fitness," said Rodgers.

Sturridge's 24 goals in 2013-14 helped the Reds finish second in the league.

However, he missed six months of last season after suffering a thigh problem and having hip surgery.

Rodgers added: "With every individual player you have to assess and analyse where they are physically.

"Daniel has worked very hard and has come back ahead of schedule but we just have to make sure we don't break him at this stage."

On Thursday, England manager Roy Hodgson names his squad for the remaining Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia on 9 October and Lithuania three days later.

It was while on international duty in September 2014 that Sturridge suffered his thigh injury.

"I don't necessarily speak so much with the international managers," Rodgers said.

"When players go away I let them deal with it. They are highly qualified professionals who work at that level.

"In Daniel's case it is probably worth me noting to the FA where he is at in this period of his fitness. He is a player who is coming back from injury."

Asked whether Sturridge could play two games in four days, the Northern Irishman replied: "Not at the moment, no."