• e-mail

Brendan Rodgers is ready to launch Daniel Sturridge's season and insists the fit-again striker will give Liverpool's side a new dimension.

The England international has trained without problem all week at Melwood and assuming he gets through the final session on Saturday without any complications, he will be involved – possibly as a substitute – when Norwich visit Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool will not take any risks with how they use Sturridge, who underwent hip surgery in May, during his first games back in action, preferring to build his minutes up gradually, but the prospect of pairing him with Christian Benteke is exciting Rodgers.

Scroll down for video 

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is closing in on a return to first-team action following hip surgery

Sturridge could make his return against Norwich in the Premier League match at Anfield on Sunday 

Injuries and suspensions have prevented Rodgers from picking his best team this season but he knows the identity of the 11 he believes will make Liverpool a formidable proposition and Sturridge is central to that plan.

'In my head (my first choice XI) always plays very well,' Rodgers said with a wry smile. 

'But Daniel has been very positive in terms of his training. In terms of his work off the field, too, he has come back with a real hunger to succeed, which is great.

'He's looked really powerful and his quality is there for all to see. Some of the staff who have come in and heard me talk about him before seeing him training saw it in the first session. He looks a different level and when he is fit, available and strong, it can take your game to a new dimension.'

Mamadou Sakho, meanwhile, has signed a new five-year contract, worth around £100,000 per week, which will keep him at the club until June 2020. 

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is looking forward to having one of his key players back in the squad 

The France international has found it difficult to get a start in the Premier League this season but could play against Norwich.

'He's been immaculate in training, working really hard on his fitness,' said Rodgers. 'He was left out of last France squad. It goes either of two ways at that point – he sulks or head down and work even harder, which is what he's done and he is right in contention.' 

France international defender Mamadou Sakho has signed a new five-year contract with Liverpool