Klopp confident Sturridge will recapture best form
(Reuters) - Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp backed striker Daniel Sturridge to rediscover his best form following suggestions that long-term injuries have reduced the England international's pace.
The 27-year-old Sturridge, who has not scored in his last five appearances for the Premier League club, has struggled with injuries throughout his career.
"Usually, and it's not about speed, Daniel scores twice. But he is a human being and he missed the chances. Of course longer injuries can have an impact. Ask a sprinter," Klopp told reporters on Friday.
Sturridge's ability to adapt to Klopp's high-pressing playing style has also been doubted after the striker missed a series of chances as Liverpool were knocked out of the League Cup by Southampton on Wednesday.
"If you get a few injuries maybe it takes time, but it's not lost forever. Daniel is the best age for a football player. If he can stay fit everything will be fine," Klopp added.
Klopp hinted that he will make changes when Liverpool host second-tier side Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday but will not play midfielder Adam Lallana for fear of aggravating his injury.
"We will not make 10 changes. We will have a very good team for tomorrow. Lallana got a cut and needed stitches, I'm not sure we should try it," the charismatic German said.
"We will see how (Nathaniel) Clyne is, hopefully he can be a part tomorrow. We will have to make a few changes."
Klopp said it was unlikely Liverpool will sign any players before the January transfer window closes on Tuesday.
(Reporting by Shravanth Vijayakumar in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)