Sturridge returns to training but unlikely to face City

Good news breaking recently confirms that Daniel Sturridge has returned to full training worth the Liverpool first team following six weeks out with injury. 

The 26 year-old had only just returned from a hip operation when he was injured in a training ground collision with Jordan Ibe. Since then, manager Jürgen Klopp has refused to put a firm date on the ex-Chelsea forward’s return. 

This event must come as sweet music to the Klopp’s ears as Liverpool have struggled for attacking options lately. With Danny Ings a long term absentee and Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino both feeling their way back to full fitness after injuries, this boost to the attacking line up will be more than welcome. Not just for the manager but also the fans who have, in the main been patient with Sturridge. 

In view of the time Sturridge has spent on the sidelines and his obvious frailty, it is a huge doubt whether the striker will make the starting line up to face Manchester City in Saturday’s late kick off. In fact, even the bench would be a long punt at this point. 

Klopp stated recently that he intended to cut the lengthening injury list at Liverpool following muscular strains to a number of senior players and this will be seen as an urgent task. It’s noticeable that he watches the warm-ups before matches now and this is without doubt an effort to get more insight into this problem. Will changes be made to the existing medical staff? The German told the Liverpool Echo recently, apparently not so it’ll be interesting to know how this will be achieved.

It’s worth noting that the new style of play being being adopted by Liverpool requires immense stamina so it’s no wonder the player and their bodies are feeling the effects. Lately, James Milner has also succumbed to a hamstring injury and, although not serious, is another indication of the fitness levels required. 

Overall things do at least seem to be getting better. Jordan Ibe has also returned to training after a minor ankle injury and Jordan Henderson is also due to commence training imminently after his broken metatarsal. 

Providing no further injuries coming up over the coming weeks, the Liverpool squad available to Klopp can only get stronger and this is no bad thing. No bad thing, at all. 

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