Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has been given an individual training programme this summer to ensure he begins the 2016/17 campaign injury free.
The No. 15 was left out of Jurgen Klopp’s squad for Thursday morning’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, instead remaining at the Reds’ training camp in Palo Alto.
Sturridge was also joined by Georginio Wijnaldum, Divock Origi, Christian Benteke and Nathaniel Clyne.
But while that quartet were rested due to a lack of fitness or minor injury, according to the Mail’s Dominic King, Sturridge’s welfare is being managed carefully.
The former Blues forward made just 25 appearances for Liverpool last season, but in scoring 13 goals he underlined his enduring quality.
His campaign was hampered by a series of injuries to his hip, knee and hamstring, and Klopp will be looking to avoid this during his first full campaign as manager on Merseyside.
When fit, Sturridge is able to compete with the best strikers in world football, and he provided Klopp with a glimpse of this ability in 2015/16.
The German will be hoping to harness this on a more regular basis following a summer of careful management on the training field.
Sturridge is likely to feature in Liverpool’s upcoming US friendlies against AC Milan (July 31) and AS Roma (August 2), though in how significant a capacity remains to be seen.
The 26-year-old will be competing with Origi, Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino for a regular role in leading Klopp’s line in 2016/17, and it was clear on Thursday morning that his defence-stretching ability will be welcomed.
This move to protect his valuable asset serves as a show of faith from Klopp.
Heading into the new season without injury will be of paramount importance to Sturridge, and continuing to approach the striker as he did throughout 2015/16, Klopp has clearly recognised this.
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