Sturridge set for Liverpool comeback

However, convincing wins over Chelsea and Manchester City in recent weeks has given the Reds faithful reason for optimism, with Liverpool in sumptuous form in their 4-1 victory over City last Saturday.

However, the German said that is no guarantee Sturridge will get a run-out in Thursday’s Europa League tie at home to Bordeaux, with Klopp stressing the striker needs to be able to prove he won’t suffer any more injury breakdowns.

“I would say it has been ups and downs but the most important thing is the present”, he told reporters.

“We have to try to bring him into a situation”.

If we were cynical, we might think that was a little dig at the end days of Rodgers, who could often be very blunt with players after a loss or an error cost Liverpool some much needed points.

The Bordeaux players are at Anfield inspecting the pitch.

They need a win to stay in the competition and a defeat will help Liverpool progress to the next round of Europe’s second tier club competition.

“Our fans are the best and to play in front of them again will be emotional, I’m sure”.

Liverpool’s display at the home of one of the title favourites certainly took all the headlines last weekend which may see numerous league’s sides sit up and take notice of Liverpool.

After arguably the Reds’ best performance of the season away to Manchester City, it will be interesting to see what sort of side Jurgen Klopp selects for Thursday’s Anfield clash.

Liverpool are likely to be without Philippe Coutinho, who picked up a hamstring strain at City, while Bordeaux have Wahbi Khazri suspended.

“With the intensity of so many tournaments, sometimes you pay a price”, added Klopp. “It was not easy to create chances against us so you take that more stability from that and then you can play football”. That is important too, so we are in a good position in this moment.

Mamadou Sakho is still out with a knee injury and with Martin Skrtel set to miss the game through illness, Kolo Toure should partner Dejan Lovren at the back.