Although Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed that injured striker Daniel Sturridge could have a role to play when West Bromwich Albion visit Anfield this weekend, the Northern Irishman has insisted that the 25-year old is not fit enough to link up with England over the coming international break.
Sturridge, who returned from his last jaunt with the Three Lion’s carrying a thigh problem, has yet to return for the struggling Reds. Rodgers has watched his side go win less in their last three Premier League outings with a serious lack of goals doing them no favours — and should he be selected by England boss Roy Hodgson, you have to wonder exactly what the Liverpool boss might do.
“Daniel won’t be fit (for England),” he said after confirming that the striker had not traveled to Switzerland ahead of the Reds meeting with FC Basel in the Champions League. “Whether he is available for the weekend or not, he won’t be fit. We are hoping he can develop over the next 24 hours and train with the team on Thursday and be available for some involvement and be in the squad on Saturday.”
The Reds will look to stop the rot first by beating Basel in European action before facing the Baggies at the weekend. Even if Sturridge does play a part — and if he does, it’s sure to be a small one — Rodgers made it crystal clear that he should be left at home to recuperate over the international break. “But if you are talking about players availability (for England) they need to be fit to play and Daniel will not be fit to play.”
Got it, Roy?
