A calf injury kept Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge sidelined for the club’s last five matches, but a cameo appearance against Everton on Monday night lead to Sadio Mane grabbing a late winner after a run and gun effort that smacked off the post lead to the Senegalese attacker bundling home to give Liverpool the win.

“It’s massive,” said Reds skipper Jordan Henderson when asked about Sturridge returning in time for the holiday fixtures.

“Both him and Emre coming on – two brilliant players coming back from injury – shows the squad depth. I thought they were brilliant when they came on. I am sure the Everton players looking at those two coming on wouldn’t have enjoyed that last 15 minutes. They wouldn’t have liked seeing those two come on,” added the captain.

“Daniel came up with a bit of magic for the goal and he is a huge player for us.”

Injured or marginalized for much of the season, there have been rumours that Sturridge will look to move on when the transfer window reopens next month, but Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has insisted over and over again that the 27-year old remains a big part of his plans for the Anfield outfit. (more…)