Liverpool demand Daniel Sturridge MUST be fit for Arsenal clash

Posted Tuesday, March 31, 2015 by Express.co.uk

LIVERPOOL will push Daniel Sturridge to declare himself fit for next Saturday's crucial showdown with Arsenal.

Anfield's medical department do not think the hip injury which sidelined Sturridge for England's games with Lithuania and Italy is too serious and believe he can make the trip to The Emirates.

Sturridge suffered a slight tear to his hip flexor muscle in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United which has compromised their Champions League hopes.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is already without Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel as they begin three-match suspensions and must check on the fitness of Adam Lallana.

Persuading Sturridge to play through any sense of lingering pain will be important as Liverpool attempt to muster fresh momentum in their assault on the top four.

Liverpool demand Daniel Sturridge MUST be fit for Arsenal clash
Liverpool are desperate for Daniel Sturridge to be fit to face Arsenal

Sturridge's season has been wrecked by injury, but Rodgers has regularly stressed they key to his career is making available more often.

Raheem Sterling would be an alternative to play in a central striking role if Sturridge does not make the cut.

Liverpool's doctor travelled to Wembley last Friday to give the England attacker an injection in a long-standing toe problem immediately after the win over Lithuania in order to ensure his fitness for the run-in.

The return of Lucas Leiva, who played 72 minutes in Sunday's charity game at Anfield after seven weeks out, is a welcome boost for Rodgers who will consider finding room for the Brazilian in his line-up.