Liverpool’s potential XI if Sturridge is ruled out for some length of time.
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge could well be ruled out for some time, with the FA having confirmed that he will definitely miss Monday evening’s England international away at Switzerland through an injury picked up in training for the Three Lions:
This injury could also affect his time at Liverpool, with the Reds set to face Aston Villa in their next Premier League match next weekend. If Sturridge is ruled out of the fixture then it could lead to a rethink from Brendan Rodgers, with Sturridge usually a key part of his side.
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Mario Balotelli would be likely to start in attack – but it could lead to a switch in formation and also the chance for new signings Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic to make an impact from within this XI:
GK) Simon Mignolet
Belgian international Simon Mignolet is largely undisputed as first choice at Anfield, with Brad Jones the only cover for the Sunderland man.
RB) Javier Manquillo
The young full back, on loan from Atletico Madrid, performed well last weekend against Tottenham Hotspur with Glen Johnson still injured.
CB) Dejan Lovren
The £20m summer signing from Southampton has had a fairly impressive start to his Liverpool career, playing well at White Hart Lane.
CB) Martin Skrtel
Seems to be preferred to French international Mamadou Sakho as the man allowed to form a partnership with Lovren.
LB) Alberto Moreno
Started his Anfield career in earnest with his display against Spurs, defending well and adding gloss to the scoreline with a virtuoso goal in the second half.
DCM) Steven Gerrard
The Liverpool captain has the holding midfield role in Brendan Rodgers’ team nailed down for the foreseeable future.
CM) Joe Allen
Also played well at White Hart Lane, offering industry and work rate to the centre of the Liverpool midfield, as well as crisp passing.
CM) Jordan Henderson
Former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson is now a key part of Brendan Rodgers’ system at Liverpool.
ARM) Raheem Sterling
Despite preferring to operate from through the middle, a change in formation could see Liverpool wonderkid Raheem Sterling shunted into a wide position.
ALM) Adam Lallana
Another expensive new signing, Adam Lallana, is fit and ready to make his Liverpool bow after missing the start of the season through injury.
SC) Mario Balotelli
The enigmatic Italian is likely to be asked to operate as a lone striker in the absence of Sturridge.