REDS’ STURRIDGE WOE
STRIKER’S THIGH PROBLEM A CONCERN FOR LIVERPOOL IN IMPRESSIVE WIN OVER BAYERN
Jurgen Klopp says there is more to come from Liverpool, following last night’s impressive 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup.
But he will be concerned by a thigh injury sustained by striker Daniel Sturridge while scoring his fine goal to kill off Bayern eight minutes from time.
“He hurt his thigh. He has really prepared well, really well, so I hope this is just a small injury and that he can play again soon,” said Klopp.
“The goal was great and he had a chance just before that. You could see how fast he is. “It’s a shame and I hope it’s nothing serious.”
The Reds will meet Atletico Madrid in the final tonight after goals from Sadio Mane, summer signing Mo Salah and Sturridge sank Carlo Ancelotti’s German champs.
Asked about how his squad is looking, with the big kick-off against Watford just 10 days away, Klopp said: “As a manager, I look at that, and maybe it’s [because of] tiredness that it hasn’t been 100 per cent but I see that we’re getting there.
“We have really trained a lot around these games and it’s not that we’re fresh for the preparation games.
“I’m quite satisfied with how they’ve played, but I think we can do better.”
On Liverpool’s performance, he added: “Nearly everything was super, we’re still in preparations and we have to think about what we have to do that helps us for all games. We haven’t played enough football so far and Bayern had too much possession.
“We scored twice but gave [the ball] to Bayern and had to run around too much.
“My team showed how well they can play football – the third goal was great, it was a really good move in attack. In the first half, we played very well on the counter, defensive pressing was very good.”
Alberto Moreno impressed at left-back as he tries to fend off new arrival Andy Robertson.
Scott Sinclair insists fitness is not an issue ahead of Celtic’s crucial Champions League clash against Rosenborg tonight.
Norway’s Eliteserien leaders are 17 games into their league season and looked sprightly in the first leg of the third qualifiying round, leaving Parkhead with a goalless draw.
Brendan Rodgers’ side, by contrast, have played only three competitive matches, but Sinclair does not believe that will be a factor in Trondheim. “I wouldn’t say they are a fitter team,” he said. “We are fit. After the pre-season we have had, everyone is up to scratch. It just comes down to performances.
“We will make sure we give it 100 per cent and play as well as we have been playing, create chances and keep the ball and make sure we do what we do.”