BR: Dan edging closer while Sakho recovers
Daniel Sturridge displayed his trademark dynamism in training today as he edged closer to his comeback from injury, but Liverpool are still monitoring the fitness of Mamadou Sakho.
Brendan Rodgers was encouraged by the striker's showing in recent sessions at Melwood, with the England international poised to return to the fold as the Reds host West Ham United on Saturday.
Sturridge has been sidelined since August 31 - and the manager expects his aura and arsenal to embolden the side.
"No question," responded Rodgers when asked if the 25-year-old's absence has been the difference between Liverpool being in fourth spot already, as opposed to now challenging for it. "I think it's had a huge impact on our season.
"You can trace that back to the beginning of the season when we played one of our early games against Tottenham and you could see the reference he was to the team in that match.
"He hasn't played and the team struggled for a few months, but thankfully we've now nailed down a way of working and returned to our football ideals.
"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.
"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."
While Rodgers is enthused by Sturridge's condition, he has urged caution in terms of expectations.
"As you can imagine, when you're out for a long time, then you're just feeling your way back into things, " explained the Reds boss.
"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."
Rodgers is still unsure of whether Sakho will feature this weekend. The French defender, who has been in fine form, suffered a back setback against Chelsea on Tuesday night.
"Sakho we'll assess tomorrow," said Rodgers. "He's still recovering."