Jurgen Klopp considers starting Daniel Sturridge for Liverpool

Posted Saturday, December 05, 2015 by skysports.com

Daniel Sturridge impressed Jurgen Klopp at Southampton

Jurgen Klopp could give Daniel Sturridge his first Premier League start in two months this weekend after his double against Southampton in midweek.

The England striker has suffered a spate of injuries this year but returned to the side in the Capital One Cup tie in impressive style as he scored twice and turned in an excellent display.

Liverpool have often had to do without the 26-year-old in recent months but despite his limited outings, he still has four goals to his credit.

Having come through his last appearance without any negative reaction, Klopp may start Sturridge in the top flight for the first time in his reign at Newcastle on Sunday.

Klopp said: "Obviously he did well in the last game. The plan before the game was to give him 55 to 60 minutes. Good for him and good for us.

Jurgen Klopp considers starting Daniel Sturridge for Liverpool
Sturridge scored twice in Liverpool's 6-1 Capital One Cup win at St Mary's

"Of course, he felt each muscle after the game. That's normal but in this moment he is available for the weekend."

While Klopp is optimistic on Sturridge, he is more cautious on Philippe Coutinho after his recent hamstring problem.

The Brazil international has not played for two weeks and the Anfield manager added: "I like optimism but with Phil we were too optimistic.

"He trained nearly normally but he doesn't feel comfortable. We have to be careful with the muscle. We will wait. I can wait, until he is available."

Under Klopp, Liverpool have still lost just once in 11 matches and have won seven of their last eight games.

Jurgen Klopp considers starting Daniel Sturridge for Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp is taking nothing for granted despite his team's good run of form

Coming up against Newcastle, a side with just two wins in 12 fixtures which sits second bottom of the Premier League, would appear to play into their hands.

Klopp is wary of complacency though and said: "I have never had a problem with too much confidence. We expect to win the game, we always do, but we have the same thinking. It doesn't mean we don't have respect.

"To be prepared for a game, you have to know as much as you can about the situation. Everything is motivation.

"Confidence is like a small flower. If you have it, somebody can kick it in the game and you don't have it. And if you don't have it, you can get it back easily.

"We have to concentrate from the first second. If you travel to Newcastle, you have to get as many points as you can. If they think we should win easily, then I don't care. We must be prepared."