A senior journalist has given credence to claims that crocked Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge exaggerates the severity of his injury problems.
The 26-year-old has played just six times for the Reds since April 2015 – three Premier League starts – because of a succession of knocks and muscle strains.
Manager Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield in October to find Sturridge on the sidelines and has accused him of refusing to play through the pain barrier.
Reports this morning claimed that the England international was ready to quit Liverpool because of the criticism questioning his desire to play for the club.
SEE MORE: Daniel Sturridge ready to quit Liverpool over injury criticism
But former News of the World sports editor Paul McCarthy has cited a senior Liverpool source affirming the claim that Sturridge is a little bit of a pansy!
Interesting a senior figure at #LFC once told me Sturridge had a groin strain that travelled round his body but usually stopped in his head
— Paul McCarthy (@PaulMcCarthy66) February 5, 2016
Sturridge’s fitness issues are starting to become a real dilemma for Liverpool. His background presence is arguably deterring the Reds from investing in a new forward.
The rest of Liverpool’s strike force are failing to do the business. The Merseyside outfit have managed just 30 goals in 24 games – the 10th best record in the Premier League.
Christian Benteke, Danny Ings and Divock Origi have nine top-flight goals between them this season, although the latter two have had injury problems of their own.
But splashing the cash on a new goalscorer would be made redundant if Sturridge, who has scored 37 times in 47 league starts for Liverpool, was able to play regularly.
SEE ALSO:
Alex Teixeira: Top Liverpool target makes £38m move to China worth £185,000 per week
Opinion: Five alternatives Liverpool should consider after losing Alex Teixeira to China
“Money-grabbing nonce”: Funniest Liverpool fan reaction to Alex Teixeira making £££ China move