Klopp waits to see if Sturridge is ‘good to go’
DANIEL STURRIDGE has declared himself ready for action despite manager Jurgen Klopp suggesting the striker will not feature for Liverpool during the festive period.
Sturridge has been training alone in what the German described as a mini preseason and the England international has claimed he is fully fit after battling a niggling hamstring problem.
“Perfect gift for Christmas from the boys getting a win,” Sturridge tweeted on Boxing Day after Liverpool’s win against Leicester. “On a side note I’m back training and good to go!! #Lfc #redordead,” the former Chelsea striker added.
But Sturridge’s insistence that he is ready to get back on the pitch for the Reds conflicts with former Dortmund manager Klopp’s timeline for a return.
Earlier this week, the Liverpool boss ruled Sturridge out of the club’s Christmas fixtures to try and get to the bottom of his recurring injury problems.
Sturridge, 26, has started just one match since Klopp arrived at Anfield in October and hasn’t played since complaining of hamstring pain in the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle three weeks ago.
Klopp decided the England forward would train on his own and complete an effective personal pre-season programme over the festive period, making it clear he would not be considered for the three league matches against Leicester, Sunderland on Wednesday and West Ham next Saturday.
“Daniel Sturridge is doing his little pre-season in a good way,” Klopp said this week. “Seven to 10 days like this and then we will see.”
In Sturridge’s absence, Liverpool returned to winning ways after disappointing results against Newcastle, West Brom and Watford by beating Premier League leaders Leicester at Anfield on Saturday.
Summer signing Christian Benteke scored the only goal of the game as Liverpool became just the second team to beat Leicester this season and the first team to stop the Foxes scoring in the top-flight. – Daily Mail