Daniel Sturridge Plots Swift Liverpool Return Despite England Absence

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has risked sparking a club versus country row by preparing to make a rapid return from injury in time for the Premier League trip to Swansea City just days after missing two vital World Cup qualifiers for England.

A thigh problem picked up prior to the league win over Manchester United on 2 September forced Sturridge to miss Friday's match against Moldova, and subsequently withdraw from the squad for the trip to Ukraine on Tuesday.

But Sturridge is plotting a return to the Liverpool first team upon the resumption of the Premier League this weekend, for the Monday night game at the Liberty Stadium against Swansea.

The Football Association chairman Greg Dyke, in an address regarding the state of English football last week, criticised clubs and players for withdrawing from international fixtures.

Sturridge has returned to Liverpool's Melwood training base for treatment on the problem and the club are said to be 'hopeful' the forward, who has scored five goals in four starts for the Reds this season, will be available for the return of the Premier League.

To further stoke the club versus country debate, Sturridge has given an interview on Liverpool's official website where he declares that playing for England isn't his first priority, before clarifying his comments later on Twitter as he targets a return to his club's first team.

"I'm more worried about Liverpool and more worried about putting in good performances for us, us winning games and challenging for trophies," he told LFC.com. "That's my main ambition - it's not about playing for England.

"That comes with doing the things you do for your club and if I don't play well here, I won't get the opportunity to do it there [World Cup finals]."

The former Chelsea and Manchester City striker then said on the social media platform: "England is the pinnacle. To play for them is a dream come true. Just hoping to recover for Monday

"Some people never understand. Read the interview. If I do well for my club I will play for England. If I'm not fit I can't play..."