Sturridge is asked to play through pain
LIVERPOOL will push Daniel Sturridge to declare himself fi t for Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal.
Anfi eld’s medical department do not think the hip injury that sidelined Sturridge for England’s games with Lithuania and Italy is too serious and believe he can make the trip to the Emirates.
Sturridge suffered a slight tear to his hip fl exor muscle in the 2- 1 defeat by Manchester United that dealt a blow to their hopes of Champions League football next season.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is already without Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel as they begin three- match suspensions and must check on the fi tness of Adam Lallana.
Persuading Sturridge to play through any lingering pain will be important as Liverpool attempt to muster fresh momentum in their assault on the top four. Raheem Sterling, who received an injection to treat a long- standing toe injury immediately after playing – and scoring – in England’s win over Lithuania on Friday, would be an alternative to play in a central striking role.
Brazilian Lucas could come into consideration in midfi eld after returning from a seven- week injury absence. HARRY KANE will make his fi rst start for England tonight, with Wayne Rooney warning he faces a test of his temperament as well as his talent from Italy’s streetwise backline.
English football’s man of the moment will be unleashed here in tandem with Theo Walcott, as Rooney prepares to play at the top of a midfi eld diamond that will be anchored by Phil Jones.
The inclusion of Kane, who scored 79 seconds after making his debut against Lithuania, will mark another step up in the Tottenham striker’s development. But Rooney said: “Italian defenders