Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling says that the club will be boosted significantly upon the return of striker Daniel Sturridge.
The England international has been a major absentee this campaign. He has featured in only three Premier League matches, as he has been troubled with a succession of injuries. In his absence, manager Brendan Rodgers has had no other option but to start with Mario Balotelli, who has been a major disappointment since a £ 16 million transfer from AC Milan in the summer. The Italian is yet to score his first league goal in more than 10 attempts.
He once again fired in a blank in the latest league defeat against Chelsea. Sturridge, on the other hand, was a regular source of goals for the club last season, as they almost managed to win the title for the first time in the Premier League. Sterling put in some impressive performances at the start, but he seems to be feeling the effects of having already played 21 matches in all competitions. The 19-year-old has suffered a dip in form in the last few matches. He has managed only three goals and three assists in the league this season. Sturridge is expected to return to action after the international break against Crystal Palace.
“It will be a massive boost to have Daniel back playing. We have missed him and the more quality players you have fit and available the better.He gives us that threat in the box and he scores goals. We’re all really looking forward to having him back in the team. After a defeat you usually want the next game to come along fast but I think having this break now can help us. We need to get going after the international break and start winning games to turn this around,” said Sterling.