In the build-up to Saturday’s dour draw with West Bromwich Albion, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers bemoaned the constant absence of star striker Daniel Sturridge and hinted that the 25-year old could lose his first choice status at Anfield.
The former Chelsea man, who has only featured in 18 of the Reds 53-matches thus far this season, has spent more time on the sidelines than anyone would have reasonably expected with various muscle injuries keeping him out for the almost the entire first half of the year before a hip injury halted his stuttering return to the starting eleven. Now, with tomorrow’s meeting with Hull City looming large, Rodgers has revealed that we may not see him in action until the Anfield outfit tour Australia and the Far East this summer.
“It’s been difficult, Daniel is a good lad who wants to play and help the team but it’s been one of those seasons for him. He’s been very unfortunate and we’ll have to monitor day by day and see where he’s at” said the Northern Irishman before dropping the thinly veiled revelation that Sturridge’s season may be over. “When he’s been fit, he’s been brilliant, it’s just about getting him back on a consistent basis. Whether that’s this season, or pre-season, has to be seen.”
Sitting seven points behind fourth placed Manchester United with only five matches left to play, this is bad, bad news. The Reds have struggled for goals this term in stark contrast to their free-wheeling exploits in front of the net last season. While it’s hard to fault a player for being injured, Rodgers may be left with no choice but to replace the 25-year old as the focal point of our attack.
