Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is reportedly fit but will not play any part in the club’s opening game of the Premier League season against Arsenal.
The Reds travel to the Emirates on Sunday looking to get their campaign off to a positive start, but they’ll have to do so without their talismanic striker.
Sturridge managed just 25 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals in 14 Premier League outings, but continued to miss large periods of the year through injury.
It appears as though he’s set to be held back by fitness woes again this year, as although he’s fit enough to play after picking up a hip injury in pre-season, he will not be rushed back by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as reported by The Independent’s Simon Hughes on Twitter.
Daniel Sturridge fit to play for Liverpool tomorrow. Not in the squad.
— Simon Hughes (@Simon_Hughes__) August 13, 2016
Liverpool trying to manage his physical condition for the course of a season.
— Simon Hughes (@Simon_Hughes__) August 13, 2016
It appears as though it’s a generally popular decision with Liverpool fans, who will want to see Sturridge come back firing on all cylinders at some point this season to continue his impressive goalscoring record for the club.
His issue has ultimately been avoiding injuries and staying fit, and if Klopp can help him manage that, the Reds will have a prolific marksman heading up their attack which has been bolstered further by the German tactician this summer.
In his absence though, Roberto Firmino could start up front against Arsenal, with Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane providing support. In contrast, Klopp could even start Divock Origi with a three-man attack behind the Belgian.
With so much quality and depth, Klopp has options at his disposal to cover Sturridge’s absence, but he’ll hope the England international is back sooner rather than later.
No need to rush Sturridge back tomorrow. It's more important we have him fully fit and ready for the rest of the season. Good decision.
— Joel (@_lfcjoel) August 13, 2016
Sturridge fit to play tomorrow but isn't interested the squad. Clearly Klopp isn't making the mistake of others and rushing him back. Good.
— The Anfield Chat (@TheAnfieldChat) August 13, 2016