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Beaming Jurgen Klopp explains Daniel Sturridge strategy and hints at Liverpool decision
JURGEN KLOPP says Liverpool’s decision to keep Daniel Sturridge away from match action and instead focus on training has paid off.
Daniel Sturridge opened the scoring for Liverpool at West Ham
Daniel Sturridge started for the first time in 15 games for Liverpool today and scored in the 4-0 win over West Ham.
The England striker replaced Roberto Firmino, who was not risked after picking up an injury.
Sturridge had not scored since 2 January and has endured a number of injury set-backs during his time at Anfield.
Maybe Roberto Firmino will play against Middlesbrough
And Klopp believes he was right to keep Sturridge away from first-team action, before hinting that Firmino may return to the XI next Sunday.
"Each player in the world, even great players like Daniel, needs training,” Klopp said.
“It was nice we could build over the last few weeks and then bring him in.
Sturridge's goal ended a four-month drought for the striker
Jurgen Klopp (left) says Sturridge has been kept in training for weeks
“You see him around the box with his smartness, he was fantastic.
"Hopefully we will go through this week without injuries.
“Maybe Roberto Firmino will play against Middlesbrough."
Liverpool will qualify for the Champions League next season if they beat Boro at Anfield.