Sturridge Hopeful Of Facing Chelsea

Daniel Sturridge can give Liverpool a huge lift by returning from injury to face Chelsea, according to Jordan Henderson.

A damaged hamstring kept Sturridge out of Easter Sunday's trip to Norwich, where a jittery 3-2 win left Liverpool needing a maximum of seven points to secure a first league championship since 1990.

But the 20-goal striker, quizzed by schoolchildren at a community event on Tuesday, said he is hopeful of making Sunday's home game against one of the two sides who can still deny them the title.

And that news has been welcomed by team-mate Henderson, who told Sky Sports News: "He is a massive player for us.

"The last game against Norwich I thought we did brilliantly, but it's always a bonus to have a player like Daniel back, so hopefully he is fit and can do the business at the weekend.

"We're in a very good position but nothing's won yet. I think we've got to keep our feet firmly on the ground, starting with Chelsea.

"And our focus is on not getting too carried away and just keeping on what we've been doing all season."

Victory on Sunday would end Chelsea's chances, and Jose Mourinho is threatening to rest players ahead of next week's Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

As it is Petr Cech and John Terry are definitely out, but Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson says there is no way Mourinho can give up on the title so close to the finishing line.

He said: "Jose can say all he wants - the players will still believe. You cannot give this up.

"I hope whoever is available for Chelsea plays. I know they've got an important game, but equally you cannot give this up because it's a fantastic prize to win the English Premier League."

Watch Liverpool v Chelsea live on Sky Sports this Sunday. Kick-off at Anfield is at 2.05pm