UPDATE
Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to risk involving Daniel Sturridge in tomorrow’s Capital One Cup semi-final, according to numerous reports.
The Liverpool striker was back in full training on Monday but his manager isn’t keen on the Englishman playing any part in the game, despite suggestion (below) that he may have allowed him to.
“It’s no good having the psychological threat [of having Sturridge on the bench] if he can’t play,” Rodgers said.
“For us it’s about assessing whether the risk is worth it and, if not, he’ll hopefully be ready by the weekend.”
———
Daniel Sturridge could be in line for his first Liverpool appearance since August on Tuesday night. The Reds travel to Chelsea (Sturridge’s former side) – and Sturridge, as well as the Liverpool fans, will be hoping he can take some part, albeit most likely from the bench.
It’s been highly documented that Liverpool have been missing the combination of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge that produced their scintillating title charge last season. With Suarez leaving, Sturridge would have the responsibility on him. However, Sturridge’s season has been unfortunately struck by injuries. Now, it looks like he’s finally back.
Brendan Rodgers, though, is very cautious about bringing Sturridge back too early and risking yet another injury:
“He is very excited about how the team is playing. It is suited to his game. He would have fancied himself in this game (the Bolton stalemate) to get some goals. But we wouldn’t risk him if he wasn’t ready to face Chelsea. No.”
“He wants to be involved in the big games between now and the end of the season and this is a big game (the Chelsea game), but we just have to be realistic. We have to be careful.”
