Sturridge an extra weapon in Liverpool’s armoury

AFP, LONDON: It was a sight that just a few months ago would have been unthinkable -- Liverpool a goal down in a big game, and Mohamed Salah hauled off by Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp got the goal he craved for a 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Saturday that preserved Liverpool's unbeaten Premier League start, not via Salah's immediate replacement Xherdan Shaqiri, but another late substitute, Daniel Sturridge.

A reborn Sturridge is now Liverpool's joint top scorer so far this season with four goals despite remaining behind Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in Klopp's pecking order.

That he has remained there to be counted on at all, though, is a huge boost to Klopp's quest to both go one step further in the Champions League this season and deliver a first-ever Premier League title, 29 years after they last won the English top flight.

"It would be really unlucky for both sides if he was not. He is in the best shape since we've worked together."

Sturridge has endured an injury-ravaged three years since Klopp took charge.

Farmed out to West Brom in January in a bid to refind his form and fitness, Sturridge's hamstring went again in his third game and he never scored for the Baggies as they were relegated.

"He was always a bit unlucky with injuries and stuff like that. That's how it is, timing in life is pretty important," added Klopp. "Now, the timing is perfect. We need him desperately and he is fit."

Sturridge's return further strengthens a squad already bolstered by the summer signings of Shaqiri, Naby Keita and Fabinho.

That contrasts starkly with the limited options available to Klopp when Salah went off injured just 30 minutes into last season's Champions League final.

"Before I arrived at Liverpool, I said he was one of the best strikers in the league and he shows it when he's fit.

Sturridge also played his part in getting his side's Champions League campaign off on the right foot with the opening goal during a thrilling 3-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain two weeks ago.

Sandwiched in the middle of a huge week for Liverpool's Premier League title challenge with the visit of champions Manchester City to Anfield this weekend, comes another big European night at Napoli on Wednesday.

However, Klopp now has the luxury of making changes with City in mind without fearing the consequences.

After a frustrating few years, the good times are certainly back for Sturridge.

Sturridge an extra weapon in Liverpools armoury

AFP, LONDON: It was a sight that just a few months ago would have been unthinkable -- Liverpool a goal down in a big game, and Mohamed Salah hauled off by Jurgen Klopp. Klopp got the goal he craved for a 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Saturday that preserved Liverpools unbeaten Premier League start, not via Salahs immediate replacement Xherdan Shaqiri, but another late substitute, Daniel Sturridge. A reborn Sturridge is now Liverpools joint top scorer so far this season with four goals despite remaining behind Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in Klopps pecking order. That he has remained there to be counted on at all, though, is a huge boost to Klopps quest to both go one step further in the Champions League this season and deliver a first-ever Premier League title, 29 years after they last won the English top flight. It would be really unlucky for both sides if he was not. He is in the best shape since weve worked together. Sturridge has endured an injury-ravaged three years since Klopp took charge. Farmed out to West Brom in January in a bid to refind his form and fitness, Sturridges hamstring went again in his third game and he never scored for the Baggies as they were relegated. He was always a bit unlucky with injuries and stuff like that. Thats how it is, timing in life is pretty important, added Klopp. Now, the timing is perfect. We need him desperately and he is fit. Sturridges return further strengthens a squad already bolstered by the summer signings of Shaqiri, Naby Keita and Fabinho. That contrasts starkly with the limited options available to Klopp when Salah went off injured just 30 minutes into last seasons Champions League final. Before I arrived at Liverpool, I said he was one of the best strikers in the league and he shows it when hes fit. Sturridge also played his part in getting his sides Champions League campaign off on the right foot with the opening goal during a thrilling 3-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain two weeks ago. Sandwiched in the middle of a huge week for Liverpools Premier League title challenge with the visit of champions Manchester City to Anfield this weekend, comes another big European night at Napoli on Wednesday. However, Klopp now has the luxury of making changes with City in mind without fearing the consequences. After a frustrating few years, the good times are certainly back for Sturridge.