Klopp’s worry over Sturridge

Jurgen Klopp says that Daniel Sturridge needs to prove he is more 'robust' before he can make a full Liverpool comeback.

Jurgen Klopp says that Daniel Sturridge needs to prove he is more 'robust' before he can make a full Liverpool comeback.

Published Nov 26, 2015

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Jurgen Klopp says that Daniel Sturridge needs to prove he is more ‘robust’ before he can make a full Liverpool comeback.

Klopp is still not sure the England striker is fit enough to play for 90 minutes. Sturridge has missed eight games after suffering bruising to his knee last month — his fifth significant injury setback in 15 months.

He was an unused substitute as Liverpool won 4-1 at Manchester City on Saturday and is in contention for tonight’s Europa League clash against Bordeaux at Anfield.

Klopp, though, has indicated that he is likely to go with Christian Benteke or Roberto Firmino up front.

The Liverpool manager said: ‘Daniel is getting closer and that’s very good. He can train now seven or eight times in a row. That is the longest period he has managed since I’ve been here. That will help him and in the end help us. The most important thing in these weeks is that he can train without problems.

‘As everybody knows, he has often had problems. We have to try to find the right way to bring him into a situation where he is more robust. If we feel it’s good to bring him in for a few moments or more, we will see in the game.’

Sturridge had two thigh injuries and a calf problem last season, and a torn hip muscle that required surgery in May. The striker has managed just three games since April and Klopp is keen to ensure he suffers no further injury problems.

Liverpool go into tonight’s match, where a victory will see them qualify for the knockout stages, without playmaker Philippe Coutinho, who picked up a hamstring problem against City. Central defender Martin Skrtel is a doubt because of illness, with Kolo Toure likely to play alongside Dejan Lovren at the back. – Daily Mail

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