Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers discussed the latest Daniel Sturridge injury at his pre match press conference ahead of The Reds’ trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace this weekend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuEl8kOiv90
The England international will not play again until 2015 after a new thigh strain this week ruled him out for six weeks.
It is the ninth separate but similar injury the 25-year-old has had in his career. He recently suggested his problems could be hereditary as his father, a trainee at Birmingham, and two uncles Dean and Simon – both professional footballers – also suffered the same problems.
Rodgers admits the club will now use the next couple of months to explore every avenue in an attempt to find a solution to the problem but the manager absolved the player of any blame.
“It is extremely unfair. He has just been extremely unfortunate,” said the Reds boss.
“The last time he played was August (31) and he is a player who does not want to be out for this length of time. There is no-one more frustrated than him at this present time. I spoke to him today and he was as down as I have seen anyone in terms of not being able to help the team.
“I think now is the time for him and us to go away to see what more we can do to get him onto the pitch consistently. He is world-class talent but he can only fulfil that if he is playing games – but there is no-one who wants that more than Daniel; he wants to be working and playing.
“We need to look to find the answers to allow him over a consistent period of time to perform here at Liverpool. Daniel has had up to nine injuries on that same thigh over a period time, not just over the last six or seven months.
“We have to look across his time as a young player and see where we can find ways to get him out there playing.”
While the club’s medical staff will look deeply into the problem it is likely Liverpool will also explore external specialist advice to get to the root of the cause.
“There are many different ways of dealing with players. I am very proud of my medical and sports science team here – we have shown our ability to get players on to the field is second to none,” added Rodgers.
“Unfortunately for the likes of Daniel over a number of years he has been unable to have that fitness that is going to allow him to play a consecutive number of games.
“There are maybe cases due to a player’s make-up genetically where it can be difficult.
“Hopefully in this adverse moment we can find a way that allows a programme over a period of time that allows him to play and train.
“With him being out we need to refocus on the players who are fit and available. We can’t cry about it, we just need to work really hard as a team with the players who are fit and look to get results.”
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