Liverpool Fans Need To Curb Expectations For Daniel Sturridge
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Daniel Sturridge has returned to full training with Liverpool during the international break. The Liverpool striker is reportedly available to return to action against Crystal Palace this weekend. However, the Liverpool faithful should not expect Sturridge to turn their fortunes around immediately, and striker needs a chance to reacclimate himself with his teammates.
With reports indicating Mario Balotelli’s back injury and his possible absence, Liverpool may have to pair Sturridge with Fabio Borini or Rickie Lambert. Brendan Rodgers will be reluctant to dispatch the Reds’ striking ace as a lone striker so quickly after returning from injury. Liverpool fans will no doubt be encouraged by the return of their star striker, but Sturridge will need help to turn the Reds’ season around.
Sturridge has missed 14 games in all competitions for the Reds since picking up an injury on international duty with England in September. The Englishman would go on to pick up a subsequent injury during a training session with the Merseyside club in October. Although it would be nice to see Sturridge fly out of the gates in his return, Liverpool’s woes go beyond their forward line. The Reds have some significant gaps in their backline, and their midfield has looked less than dynamic.
Sturridge scored one goal in three appearances for Liverpool before succumbing to injury. The Reds sit 11th in the Premier League, 15 points behind league leaders Chelsea. Liverpool also sit third in their UEFA Champions League group, needing a bit of luck and everything to do to qualify second out of their group.
Yoshiki Matsunaga is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter yoshikimat, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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