Liverpool could be without Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho for the trip to Southampton – meaning an opportunity is likely to open up for Daniel Sturridge.
Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring their second goal
Liverpool certainly haven’t come through the international break unscathed. After Adam Lallana was withdrawn in the first half of England’s 2-2 draw with Spain on Tuesday with what appeared to be a groin injury, Philippe Coutinho is the latest player to become a doubt for the testing trip to Southampton this weekend, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The Echo reports that Coutinho was photographed at a hospital in Liverpool on Thursday afternoon to undergo a scan – with later reports, including from the Liverpool Echo suggesting it was precautionary following a tight hamstring.
Nevertheless, with possibly two absentees from Jürgen Klopp’s usual starting XI this season, it obviously means an opportunity for other members of the squad.
Georginio Wijnaldum is likely to get a start in midfield, while Daniel Sturridge could be introduced to the attack if Klopp wants to be cautious. Predictably with Sturridge not being the number one forward for the Reds this season, there have been suggestions in the press that he would like to move on.
Whether that is the case or not – and Klopp seems to be of the opinion that it isn’t – Sturridge has a real opportunity to stake his claim for a regular place in the side from here on in, either from the start or the bench.
On his last two visits to St Mary’s, Sturridge has managed to find the net three times. Though he hasn’t managed to find the net in the Premier League this season, he has scored on four occasions in the EFL Cup, with two goals for England. He’s hardly out of form, while facing up to a defence that he got the better of last season can always give a forward that extra boost.
England’s Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring their first goal
Find the net against Southampton, and he could be playing again against Sunderland. If not there, then he will be playing in the EFL Cup against Leeds United. Regardless of who it may be against, Sturridge is going to get some game time if he keeps himself fit – and this comes close to a time when the fixture list will get that bit busier.
Despite not finding the net in his league games so far – he hasn’t done too much wrong. He’s been effective from the bench, while contributing in other ways during wins over Leicester and Chelsea earlier on in the season.
It’s a time for Sturridge to lay a marker down, and give his manager all the more of a welcome selection headache in the final third than he already has.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp with Daniel Sturridge as he prepares to come on
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