Liverpool are sweating over Daniel Sturridge's fitness again after the striker suffered another injury scare on Monday.
The 25-year-old is understood to have withdrawn from training with a thigh problem, though whether it is serious, or a recurrence of the problem that began his injury-plagued season, is not yet known.
The Reds will monitor Sturridge over the next two days to determine his fitness but no early conclusions are being drawn.
Sturridge has not played for his club since August 31st, after which he injured his thigh on England duty.
His first comeback was scuppered by a calf problem as he attempted to rejoin full training in October.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers had earmarked Sunday's game against Crystal Palace for a potential return but may now be forced to reschedule again.
Rodgers' side, who also lost Sturridge's prolific former strike partner Luis Suarez to Barcelona in the summer, have laboured to 11th place in the Barclays Premier League.
The reliable output of the 'SAS' pairing has been replaced inadequately thus far by Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini, with the Reds scoring just 14 times in 11 league matches.
Sturridge's initial injury, following his appearance in the 1-0 win over Norway, caused a club versus country skirmish as Rodgers questioned England's recovery programme for the striker.
There will be no repeat on this occasion, with Sturridge not fit enough to join up with the Three Lions during the international break and instead managed at close quarters at Melwood.
Source: PA
