Brendan Rodgers has attacked England’s national team set-up over Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge‘s muscle injury, which looks set to keep him sidelined for several weeks.
As reported last night, Sturridge will miss Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Anfield this Saturday, as well as Tuesday’s opening Champions League game at home to Ludogarets.
He is also likely to miss the Reds’ trip to West Ham on Saturday, 20th Septmeber and the League Cup third round tie against Middlesbrough three days later, hoping to return in time for the Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday, 27th September at Goodison Park.
Rodgers believes the 25-year-old’s injury could have been prevented by England’s staff, and explained his reasoning to radio station talkSPORT on Friday morning.
He said, “The only disappointment from the international break was Sturridge coming back injured as he had started the season very well.
“We’re obviously disappointed because we feel it was an injury which could have been prevented. He has worked so hard over pre-season and looked very fit and strong in our last game against Spurs.
“Their recovery strategy needs looking at. When we look at our players here we look at them individually in terms of what their needs are.
Rodgers not exactly hiding his anger at England's 'sports science' (Hodgson famous for not believing in sports science).
— Michael Sweeting (@M_Sweeting) September 11, 2014
“Fast players would have a second day recovery while other players can work on that day.
“When you are that type of quick player like Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and boys like Danny Welbeck you need to recover them.”
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This is the fourth injury the former Chelsea forward has picked up while on international duty for Roy Hodgson’s side since moving to Liverpool in January last year.
Liverpool will look towards attacking talent in the likes of Mario Balotelli, Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert to fill Sturridge’s boots during his absence, whilst his time out may open the door for a return to the matchday squad for Italian forward Fabio Borini.
How will Liverpool cope without Sturridge over the next few games? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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