Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge’s chances of playing in the first team have been limited this season. Jurgen Klopp has preferred Roberto Firmino in the role of the central attacker and the Brazilian has certainly been effective for the Premier League leaders.

While Firmino has worked extremely well with Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane, Sturridge, for his part, has struggled to find the back of the net in the league. The former Chelsea striker does have four goals to his name but all of them have come in the EFL Cup.

The lack of playing time seems to have taken its toll on the Englishman and the Mirror claims Sturridge is ready to quit Liverpool as early as January. The outlet claims West Ham United and Stoke City are after the signature of the 27-year-old as both sides look to bolster their attack.

A tough time for the Englishman at Liverpool

Sturridge was the go-to guy for the Reds last season but his injuries ensured a lack of playing time in the first team. This season has been a different story as the former Manchester City striker has failed to impress Klopp and this could be just one reason why he would want to leave.

Sturridge is not the top dog at the club anymore and even if he is the best finisher in the side, the attacking trio as stated above, have been incredible and none of them can be dropped from the side. While the Mirror does claim that Stoke City and West Ham can sign the player, thanks to the mega TV deal, the transfer might be tough to complete.

Liverpool’s problem in attack

The Merseyside club might have the best attack in the league but the Reds will be without a cover in the winter window. Sadio Mane is set to leave for international duty while Danny Ings is out with a long-term injury.

That would just leave Sturridge and Divock Origi as the recognized strikers and with the EFL Cup and FA Cup also part of a hectic schedule, Klopp would want to keep all his attacking options at hand.

Sturridge hasn’t really spoken out a lot on missing out on opportunities to play for the side and his cameo appearance against Watford was great, even though he could not score. The Englishman did score in the win over Scotland and he would be looking to make an impact against Southampton at the weekend.

This could be Sturridge’s last real chance of playing for a top club and he does have to be patient. Staying fit and doing the right things in training should keep him sharp and hopefully lethal in front of goal till he gets his chance.

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