Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has jokingly suggested that striker Daniel Sturridge could return against Everton in the Merseyside derby later this month.
The 27-year-old has missed the last three games with a calf injury and Klopp initially conceded that he has “no idea” when he will return.
It’s a continuation of what has been a frustrating season for Sturridge thus far, as he has been limited to just 11 appearances in all competitions with a total of a mere 495 minutes of action.
In turn, it’s probably not a major bit of news for West Ham United and Middlesbrough that he will be missing for both of those games, as per Klopp in his press conference on Friday, but the German tactician did joke and leave the door open for a comeback against Everton.
“He is not in training with the team at the moment so we don’t have to think about him for the team with West Ham and Middlesbrough but maybe then,” he said, according to Sky Sports.
“What’s the game after Middlesbrough? Everton? Oh! That would be nice, but I have no idea.”
Everton will certainly be hoping that he doesn’t return in time for their clash on December 19 at Goodison Park, as the England international has a pretty good record against the Toffees.
In seven appearances against them, Sturridge has scored four goals and has never been on the losing side.
While he isn’t having a major impact so far this season, he clearly relishes the chance to play against Liverpool’s bitter rivals and especially with Philippe Coutinho out and others picking up knocks in recent weeks, how Klopp would love to have the striker at his disposal during a busy period in the year.