adminLONDON. – Daniel Sturridge will miss the start of next soccer season for Liverpool after the striker was told he will be out for four months following hip surgery.
His absence raises the prospect of Liverpool starting next term with an all new strike-force and will strengthen manager Brendan Rodgers’ determination to recruit at least one top-class forward, with Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke under consideration.
Sturridge will have effectively missed an entire year of football by the time he returns in September, although Liverpool are confident Tuesday’s operation in New York not only uncovered, but has resolved, a key issue which was resulting in him suffering repeated muscle problems.
He is expected to be back in training at some point in August, although given his lengthy absences this term it will take him time to then get back up to speed.
The prognosis increases the pressure on Liverpool to recruit carefully this summer with their sights having narrowed towards signing a striker who would be capable of taking the strain of leading the club’s attack next season.
Benteke will come under renewed scrutiny having been checked on last summer, while a move for Burnley’s Danny Ings had been lined up before Sturridge’s season became wrecked by injuries.
His fee will be decided by a transfer tribunal unless the two clubs can reach an agreement in the coming weeks.
Belgium youngster Divock Origi will arrive at Anfield having been immediately loaned back to Lille last summer when a £9 million deal was agreed.
In a summer of change aimed at bolstering a shot-shy side, whose lack of goals has exacerbated other fundamental problems, Liverpool will attempt to sell Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini. – The Daily Express.
Online Reporter