Thursday 8 January 2015 16:43, UK
Liverpool are set for a major boost to their season, with striker Daniel Sturridge set to return from his rehabilitation in the United States.
The England international has not played for the Reds since August 31 because of thigh and calf problems and Rodgers will be desperate to see the 25-year-old back in action to reignite their stuttering season.
"He will be back into the country in the next 24 hours and he is into the final stages of that rehab," said Rodgers.
"Two years ago, he came in the January window (from Chelsea) and made a great impact and has been fantastic when he has been fit here. He is a top-class player who has a wonderful idea of the game and wonderful qualities and if you put him into any team, it makes them a better team - his pace is frightening, his touch and his movement.
We are aiming to look after the medium and long-term here and he won't be rushed. Hopefully he won't be too far awa
"As a footballer, he is at a great age and if he can sustain his fitness, he has already shown in his goals here - one of the quickest players to the goals record he has here - we are hoping he can stay fit and lead the charge for us over the next few years."
It is hoped Sturridge will be ready to rejoin the first team in two weeks and Rodgers is keen not to rush him back to ensure there are no more concerns over his fitness.
It is an issue which has dogged Sturridge, particularly since his arrival at Anfield two years ago, and the Reds boss knows there can be no stone left unturned now as they plan for his future.
Regarding Sturridge, scorer of 36 goals in 52 Liverpool games, Rodgers added: "We are looking forward to having him back.
"The work he has done in America has been fantastic; he has been well supported out there and he has travelled about to get treatment from the best people in the world.
"We are hoping at some point in January he will come back into the team and help us to achieve something. It is difficult to forecast, especially with injuries: you can put a date in and they come back earlier or it may take a bit more time.
"We have had lots of collaboration with our people in America, a lot of great work has gone on, we have been monitoring and he looks in a real good moment. We will assess him first, see where he is at and get the feeling from him.
"We have to take our time on this one - not just for us at Liverpool but over his career what (treatment) has gone on hasn't clearly worked as he gets a number of games and then is unfit. We are aiming to look after the medium and long-term here and he won't be rushed. Hopefully he won't be too far away."
Watch Liverpool v Chelsea in the Capital One Cup, live on Sky Sports 1 on January 20.
