Liverpool are set to face Everton in the Merseyside derby on Monday and the Reds do have a number of injuries to deal with. Philippe Coutinho is certainly out of the high voltage clash while Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren also aren’t 100% sure of starting the game.
This does leave the Reds a little short in terms of personnel but Jurgen Klopp is hopeful that Daniel Sturridge can take part in the clash against the Toffees. The English striker has failed to stay fit this season and hasn’t scored a goal in the Premier League this term.
The German manager believes that Sturridge could have a huge impact should he even play 20 minutes for the side and was quoted as saying:
“He cannot be 100% but having Daniel Sturridge for 20 minutes would be fantastic.”
The German further added that Sturridge has been part of the rehab coaching sessions and was hopeful the 27-year-old can start doing some higher intensity sessions for the upcoming match.
“If he is available he will be involved. Until now he’s made four pitch sessions with the rehab coach. It would be nice if he could be part of my department … the pitch training that I’m responsible for. Maybe we can involve him today.”
The German also expects Emre Can to be pushing for a place in the side but it is Sturridge that could be the key to the Reds’ chances of winning at Goodison.
A second Merseyside derby for the German manager
Klopp has only faced Everton once, which was a 4-0 win in April, and Sturridge had scored in that game. This season he has struggled and more so because the likes of Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane have formed an excellent partnership up front.
The Reds also have another star doing extremely well with Divock Origi now scoring five goals in five games for the side. The Belgian certainly works the channels really well and is a more physical player up top for the Reds, which again could affect the English striker’s chances of being the top forward at the club.
This is a great option for Sturridge to show his ability and prove to the Reds that he still can do a decent job. Klopp certainly needs his attackers to stay at the top of their game and a 20-minute appearance from Sturridge and a goal or two would certainly be great for him and the club.
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