Liverpool FC striker Daniel Sturridge had to be withdrawn from the squad for Thursday’s Europa League 2-1 win over Bordeaux, after his foot was hurting in training.
Manager Jurgen Klopp said it was nothing serious, but the German has warned Sturridge to adapt to a new style of play if the 26-year old wants his career to flourish. Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson has been recovering well from his injury, and Klopp insists that the Reds’ skipper is rearing to start playing again.
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Sturridge has played just three games this season, and only seven since October 2014. A hip injury in May has limited him to play just 252 minutes this season, with the former Chelsea man yet to play under new manager Jurgen Klopp.
Daniel must adapt
Sturridge’s injury stricken Liverpool career just does not seem to end, and manager Jurgen Klopp suggests the Englishman should re-invent his game so he can stay fit for a longer duration.
“The situation is Daniel was very often injured in the last few months, and maybe years, so it is normal when you get back in training usually it is not the quality, but you need training,” said Klopp who was unsure on whether Sturridge would be fit for Sunday’s match with Swansea at Anfield, as reported by Skysports.
“Your body has to learn to adapt to new intensities of training and in this time you have to learn what is serious pain and what is only pain.
“Everyone wants him back on the pitch but we all have to learn. Now we can say [his latest issue] is not that serious but it is not possible to go on as before so we have to react to every situation – which is normal for injuries.”
Boost for Klopp as Henderson almost ready to return.
Henderson has not played since the victory over Bournemouth in August because of a heel injury. The Englishman also suffered a broken bone in his foot when he returned to training in September. But the Liverpool FC captain is now almost on full fitness, and it is not long before we see him running up and down the pitch again.
“He wants [to play] but we have to wait,” said Klopp.
“I am waiting for him, that is what I told him. For a player like him he is always [knocking] on the door saying ‘Give me five minutes, 10 minutes’.
“I like this, but it is not always the best thing to do. He has a big step ahead of him now. Everything we do is 120 per cent so you need to be prepared for this. Players like Hendo have to be fit, not only 50 per cent.
“If he is in this shape we can use him and he can help us.”
Post Suarez, Liverpool have often lacked the cutting edge that a healthy Daniel Sturridge is more than capable of providing. The Englishman’s career since arriving at Anfield has been sensational, but for his injuries. Liverpool currently sit on 9th place in the league table, but if the Reds have to finish in a Champions League spot this season, one would imagine that the fitness of Henderson and Strurridge is paramount.