Liverpool have been handed the huge boost of their star man Daniel Sturridge returning to the side as the 25-year-old is poised to make his first Reds appearance since picking up an injury whilst on international duty way back in early-September.
Liverpool have undeniably missed their talismanic striker, and to have him back is a major boost for Brendan Rodgers’ side. Sturridge has only played three times for the Merseyside club this term, after a thigh strain in an international friendly win over Norway, has kept the forward out for most of the Premier League season.
Sturridge will feel like a new signing for Liverpool when he makes his long-awaited return, and the Reds fans will hope their main man can fire the goals to keep their top four hopes alive. The ex-Manchester City and Chelsea striker has stacked up an incredible 32 league goals in just 46 Premier League games for Liverpool, since making the £12m switch from Stamford Bridge two years ago. The £12m deal has been the bargain of the century, and it didn’t take Sturridge too long to find his feet at Anfield and become an instant fans’ favourite.
But it’s not just his goals that Liverpool have missed so much this season, his link-up play and presence have been equally conspicuous in their absence. Sturridge’s 21 goals in 29 Premier League appearances last season went a long way to explaining why Liverpool pushed Manchester City so close to the title last term. The England man’s devastating partnership with Luis Suarez was always going to be irreplaceable – so the fact Sturridge suffered such an early season injury setback must have given Brendan Rodgers nightmares.
With Mario Balotelli’s £16m move from AC Milan turning out to be a disaster, Liverpool have had to rely on Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini, with Raheem Sterling being converted into a makeshift striker. This season has been a far cry from the days of the devastating ‘SAS’ duo, but to be fair to Rodgers’ side, his players have dug deep and chipped in with goals that have slowly turned their fortunes around.
It will no doubt take Daniel Sturridge a bit of time to settle back into his surroundings and return to his scintillating best. There were a few suggestions that he was going to be back in time for the League Cup semi-final second-leg against his former club Chelsea on Tuesday but the trip to Stamford Bridge seemed to be a step too soon for Sturridge. However, it will be a surprise if the England international doesn’t play some part in the clash with West Ham United on Saturday.
Sturridge’s eagerly anticipated return couldn’t come at a better time for Brendan Rodgers, as his side are looking to kick on and secure a Champions League spot come the end of the season. It’s difficult to say how much Liverpool have missed Sturridge, but I’m sure the talented goal machine is about to prove to the footballing world just how much they have done.
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