The new year may mean a different fortune for the often-injured Liverpool FC striker Daniel Sturridge, who is reportedly recovering from a hamstring injury. However in spite of the medical staff being careful with the former Chelsea FC player, Jurgen Klopp says he is not holding the Englishman back.
Sturridge has missed most of the matches this season with his injury issues, and the Reds have suffered because of this, often languishing in the bottom half. Now however, there seems to be a bit of optimism, with Belgian striker Christian Benteke giving them the winners in the last couple of matches.
In spite of that, there is a general worry about Sturridge, whose inclusion in the first team, has often benefited the Reds. While the medical team have been working to get the England international back to full fitness, Klopp says that he is not holding Sturridge back.
a I am not holding him back a I am trying to make him fit. He trained, ita s intensive, now we have to wait and see how he reacts and then he will play,” Klopp said, in a report in the Liverpool Echo. a I dona t hold him back a never! I want to have him in the best shape, thata s what wea re trying to do, thata s all.
a We have to think always. The best thing would be another two weeks. But then we have to talk to all the medical department, a tell us how you feel with Daniela . It is always possible …but we will see,a he continued.
‘Mini pre-season’ for Sturridge
With the 26-year-old suffering a number of injuries in the recent past, Klopp has reportedly decided to arrange for a ‘mini pre-season’ for Sturridge. The England striker has been left behind in Liverpool for the trip to Watford, and will not figure in the first Premier League encounter of 2016.
However, Sturridge had himself tweeted that he was progressing well in training, and that he is “good to go”.
Perfect gift for Christmas from the boys getting a win. On a sidenote I’m back training and good to go!! #Lfc #redordead
a Daniel Sturridge (@DanielSturridge) . December 26, 2015