After watching Daniel Sturridge limp off during Liverpoolโs massive 3-2 victory over Manchester City last Sunday, Reds fans have been waiting anxiously for an update on the fitness of their star forward for the crucial run-in.
Brendan Rodgers gave an update on Sturridgeโs injured hamstring on Thursday, as the Liverpool boss revealed Sturridge will likely miss this weekendโs trip to Norwich as the injury is further assessed.
Sturridge, 24, has scored 23 times in all competitions for Liverpool this season and his sensational partnership with Luis Suarez, dubbed S.A.S., has run opposition defenses ragged as the Reds aim to clinch their first league title in 24 years.
Yet this Sunday against Norwich, Liverpool will likely have to take one step closer to their first ever PL title without Sturridge in the lineup.
โHe may struggle for the weekend,โ Rodgers told reporters. โItโs not too serious and wonโt keep him out for too many weeks, but he may be out for the weekend. Weโll assess it more over the next couple of days, but thatโs how weโre looking at it at the moment.โ
Rodgers went onto add that Sturridge has made miraculous recoveries in the past and that the club are keep a close eye on their English striker in the next couple of days.
My question is: why would Liverpool risk it at this stage of the season?
No disrespect to Norwich but itโs quite likely that even without Sturridge, Liverpool will cruise to three points away at Carrow Road this weekend. Yes, it would be great to have him on board to try and make another gigantic leap towards the title, but surely having him fit for the title decider against Chelsea next weekend is more important?
On April 27 the PL crown will likely come down to Liverpoolโs clash against Chelsea. Having Sturridge 100 percent ready to face his old club and tear them to shreds should be the Liverpoolโs priority. Forget about Norwich away this weekend.
Give Sturridge as much time as he needs to recover and Liverpool will reap the benefits in their final three games of the campaign.