Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has vowed to stick by Daniel Sturridge despite the forward’s injury problems over the last few seasons.
The England international has only started 19 Premier League matches since the start of the 2014-15 campaign and was once again absent for the Reds’ opening match of the season, a 4-3 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on August 14.
The 26-year-old did return to action during Saturday’s defeat at Burnley, playing the full 90 minutes of the encounter, and is likely to feature once again when the Merseyside outfit take on Burton Albion in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.
Klopp admits that Sturridge was not at his best during the defeat at Turf Moor but insists the former Chelsea man is still an outstanding player.
“Daniel is still a very quick player but he’s had a lot of injuries in the last few years and a few muscle issues – I have no idea how this exactly changes the mind of a player,” Klopp said.
“He is still on the way back, but he is still an outstanding player, and even an outstanding player needs rhythm.
Saturday was not the best game of football Daniel has ever played but, even in a game like this, he could have scored.”
The German coach is keen for his team to have an extended run in the League Cup this season but he knows they will have to play well to avoid a shock exit at the Pirelli Stadium.
He continued: “I know we have never shown a lack of respect to any competition and, in this moment, I am really optimistic we will find a really good line-up and then we have to perform.”
Liverpool are available at 1.33 to secure victory while Burton are on offer at 9.00 and the draw is priced at 5.25.
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