Although returning Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge will be given a late fitness test ahead of the second leg of their League Cup semi-final showdown with Chelsea on Tuesday, the Reds aren’t about to gamble with the fitness of their star man confirmed boss Brendan Rodgers.
“No. It doesn’t matter how big the game is, there is no point in Daniel being out all this time to just rush him back” said the Northern Irishman when asked if there’s temptation to rush the 25-year old back into the squad. “The other players have shown in this period that they can perform, so we wouldn’t risk him, no. Of course he wants to be involved in the big games between now and the end of the season, and this is one. But we have to be realistic and careful with him. We have to make sure he is available for a sustainable length of time.”
Following the scoreless draw with Championship side Bolton Wanderers at the weekend, there were suggestions that Sturridge — who only just returned to full training yesterday — would be rushed back into the side ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Stamford Bridge in an attempt to secure Liverpool a trip to Wembley. Although the 25-year old is more than keen to get back into the thick of things, the club won’t let the player’s desires mess with their plans.
Following their shock exit in the FA Cup at the hands of League One side Bradford City, there’s suggestions that the Blues are there for taking which has only heightened calls for Sturridge to at the very least be included in the match day squad. “It’s a big game, but we have shown that we can cope without him in these last seven or eight weeks. The team is at a good level” continued Rodgers before once again refusing to take him out of the running completely. “Of course if he feels fresh and he feels right, then we would look at it. But it’s a big risk.”
