Klopp: Sturridge is closer, but Skrtel a doubt for Bordeaux

Sturridge was named on the bench for the Reds’ 4-1 victory over Manchester City on Saturday for the first time under the new manager’s tenure as he edges his way towards full fitness.

It’s likely the striker will be involved once again in some capacity tomorrow evening at Anfield in the Europa League tie; however, Skrtel could be an absentee, Klopp revealed.

He told his pre-match press conference: “The best news at the moment is Daniel is getting closer, closer and closer. He has now trained seven or eight times in a row – the longest period since I’ve been here – and, of course, that will help him. And it will help us because we have another option.

“Christian Benteke is in very good shape, which is very important for us. When I came here he was injured, but now he has had many, many [training] sessions with the team and the Belgian national team.

“We are in a good position at the moment, but football can be like you solve one problem and then the next second you have another one.

“Martin Skrtel is a little bit ill. Mama is in a good way, but not ready for tomorrow, so we might need to have a new idea [in defence] and we will see how we handle this.”

Asked specifically about Sturridge, who hasn’t figured for Liverpool since October 4 due to a knee injury, Klopp insisted he would err on the side of caution with the 26-year-old’s fitness.

The German added: “He is closer. He’s had another three or four important sessions since last Saturday – each session is very important.

“My decision [on whether he will play against Bordeaux], you will see tomorrow.

“He is closer and that’s very, very good, but the most important thing in these [coming] weeks is that he can train without problems.

“Everybody knows he has very often had different [injury] problems, so we have to try to bring him into a situation where he is more robust. But if we have to field him in a good moment for a few minutes or more, then we will see in the game.”

With Sturridge, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi at his disposal, and Roberto Firmino excelling in a striking role at Manchester City, Klopp has several choices to select from to spearhead his attack.

One reporter asked the manager how increased forward options would benefit Liverpool in the coming weeks.

Klopp replied: “In different ways and that’s what we will try to do. First of all, what you have to have is 11 players on the pitch who can work and function together – it is not important to bring four strikers onto the pitch and hope that you will create more goals than before. It’s about creating moments.

“It’s normal we talk about things like this today, but it is not about thinking about bringing as many strikers on the pitch as you can. We have to work together and for this, it is important you have some options.”