Klopp: We have to remain patient with Sturridge
Jürgen Klopp insists Liverpool will remain patient with Daniel Sturridge as the striker continues to work towards full fitness.
The 26-year-old has not featured for the Reds since a substitute appearance at Newcastle United on December 6 due to injury.
And Klopp confirmed the England international will not be available for selection in the short-term to avoid any risks.
“Out of responsibility, we have to do everything we can to give him the physical strength to be able to play Premier League football,” said the manager.
“We all know it’s pretty easy for him when he’s fit, but at this moment he isn’t. We cannot change this.
“To have a player like Daniel in your squad is always a good situation, and when it’s not possible to use him, it’s not a good situation.
“He’s not with the team at the moment, that’s right. But we have enough games this season when we hopefully can use him but not, if nothing happens, for at least the next 10 days.
“You can’t be nearly fit, then playing, then injured again, then nearly fit, then playing, then injured again, then during training something like injured again, and then you say after five days ‘come on’ to pick the day you get him and then he gets the next injury.
“We have to be patient. That’s not my best skill, to be honest! But in this case I have no other choice.”