Adam Lallana believes keeping Daniel Sturridge fit could prove crucial to Liverpool’s hopes of success this season.

The England forward has struggled with injury for much of the last three seasons although he has looked extremely sharp this summer, leading boss Jurgen Klopp to recently admit he is in the best shape since he took charge in October 2015.

Sturridge has featured heavily in pre-season and, having avoided any fresh fitness blows, looks set to have a big impact for the Reds.

Liverpool are currently 13.00 to win the Premier League title while they are 26.00 for the Champions League.

The 27-year-old won Europe’s top club competition during his time at Chelsea and his eye for goal could prove key to his side’s chances of silverware both at home and abroad.

Lallana admits he has been hugely encouraged by what he has seen from the former Chelsea man so far this summer and has now backed him to play a leading role.

“Studge [Sturridge] has been absolutely brilliant in preseason so far,” he told reporters.

“He is looking really sharp, and to have him firing on all cylinders would be like having two new signings if we can keep him on the pitch and get him scoring goals.

He is a world-class player. “He has come back from the summer looking absolutely brilliant, so fit.

He is going to be a massive player for us this season. I can feel it. You couldn’t put a price on him.”