Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge “fit and ready” for Manchester City clash

Sturridge suffered an knee injury in early October during one of Liverpool’s practice sessions. However, the club have adopted a risk-averse approach with the England worldwide, preferring to ease him back in an effort to prevent further sideline spells.

Klopp hasn’t revealed his plans for Sturridge publicly.

While the forward has not been available for any of the German trainer’s line-ups thus far, he has been encouraged by his experiences under him thus far.

If the English striker was capable of remaining fit for a much longer time, probably Brendan Rodgers would still be the coach of Liverpool but Sturridge’s persistent injury worries dried up the goals and forced Liverpool to seek changes.

He trained with the first team at Melwood last week and will be hoping to impress new manager Klopp, who has given opportunities to younger players than Smith in the likes of Jordan Rossiter and Jordon Ibe.

This, however, is not a true barometer of just how good he can really be. A day later, and now Sturridge is also back in full training with his teammates.

“It’s an exciting time to be at the club and I’m enjoying working with him and the style of football”.

Sturridge believes Liverpool have a real chance to get into the mix for honours this season, as he suggested the race for the top places has never been more open.

Klopp’s side face a hard trip to the Etihad this weekend to face a Manchester City side, who have won all but four Premier League games this season. There are teams up there this season you wouldn’t have expected. And I think it has been more open than ever at moment.