Liverpool's Alberto Moreno believes that Daniel Sturridge has shown in the last few games why he is such an "important" player in the team.

The England international spent five months on the treatment table with calf and thigh problems, but managed to score within 10 minutes of his return in the Reds' 2-0 win over West Ham United last month.

Sturridge also added to his goal tally in last weekend's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, which put them through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

"You just have to watch him play to see how important he is," Moreno told the club's official website. "After being injured for so long, he scored a goal with his second touch [against West Ham]. You can see the type of footballer he is from that.

"Sturridge is a top player and everyone on the team was wishing he returned as soon as possible, and he's done brilliantly."

Sturridge is yet to complete a full 90 minutes since his return from injury, but may feature in Thursday's Europa League last-32 match against Besiktas at Anfield.