Liverpool have been handed another blow in their pursuit of a top four place, with star striker Daniel Sturridge set to miss another month with a hip problem. The 25-year-old has already endured an injury plagued season, having missed five months with a series of problems.
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Sturridge joins Martin Skrtel, Steven Gerrard and Adam Lallana on the sidelines ahead of the Reds’ trip to Arsenal next weekend, and could also miss the games against Blackburn Rovers – in the FA Cup – Newcastle United and Hull City.
The England international has only scored five goals so far this season, but has been making a steady return to form since returning to the team at the end of January – scoring last time out during the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.
Sturridge was forced to drop out of the England squad earlier this week, but the injury is thought to be worse than first feared, and he’s now expected to be out for a longer period.
Raheem Sterling is also a doubt, meaning Liverpool could be left with just Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini as their attacking options.
Speaking about the situation, England boss Roy Hodgson, who was quoted by the Daily Mirror, said: “I’m a little bit disappointed for Daniel Sturridge, because when he came to us he didn’t really feel that the slight problem he felt was really any problem at all.
“When we did the scan and it turned out that there was a problem he was absolutely devastated, because he didn’t want to leave us. There was no option because he has a slight tear and you can’t play through that.”