Although Liverpool have so far remained mum on the news that Daniel Sturridge has withdrawn from international duty with a hip problem, England boss Roy Hodgson had no problem filling everyone in on exactly what’s ailing the striker this time around.
It’s believed that the 25-year old picked up the injury during the 2-1 loss to Manchester United last weekend despite him showing no ill-effects during the match. Sturridge, who pulled a goal back midway through the second half, met up with the national squad the next day with a view to making his first appearance for his country in the Euro-2016 qualifier against Lithuania later today, but he was sent back to Melwood after having a scan.
“I’m a little bit disappointed for Daniel Sturridge, because when he came to us he didn’t really feel that the slight problem he felt was really any problem at all. When we did the scan and it turned out that there was a problem he was absolutely devastated because he didn’t want to leave us,” Hodgson told the press when asked about the striker’s fitness. “There was no option because he has a slight tear and you can’t play through that.”
The 25-year old, who had only just returned to the Liverpool set-up earlier this year after spending five months in the cooler with a variety of muscle injuries, has handed the Champions League chasing club yet another headache after Adam Lallana’s groin injury saw him withdrawn at half-time against United and Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel each picked up three match bans. The Reds have yet to confirm the extent of the damage or place any timeline on Sturridge’s recovery, but there’s no doubt that boss Brendan Rodgers will be joining supporters everywhere in worrying that the star man could be set for another spell on the sidelines.
