Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp shot down reports that Daniel Sturridge is looking to push for a move away from the club on Friday afternoon.

Several reports, including John Cross of the Daily Mirror, suggested that the injury-ravaged England international would be looking to leave Merseyside having grown tired of the criticism and constant questioning of his attitude.

Sturridge has only made a handful of appearances this season, having once again suffered from injuries which have prevented the prolific striker making the impact he is capable of.

Klopp not listening to suggestions over Sturridge's future

Klopp, speaking to the press to preview the Reds' Barclays Premier League clash with Sunderland on Friday, insisted: "Why should I think about [that]?"

"If somebody wants to ask me something about Daniel Sturridge you can ask me," he added, declaring that he's "not interested" in suggestions.

The Reds boss explained that the player is "back in training" with his teammates and called it "great", adding that "everything looks good" at the moment and that "what's good for us, is good for him." 

Klopp also said that having "Phil [Coutinho] and Divock [Origi]" back in training, alongside Sturridge, quickly showed them what they had missed, but said there's "absolutely nothing to say" about any potential Sturridge exit.

Klopp hoping Reds can soon benefit from medical team's efforts to get Sturridge back in shape

Sturridge hasn't featured for Liverpool since December 6th. (Source: Getty Images Europe)
Sturridge hasn't featured for Liverpool since December 6th. (Source: Getty Images Europe)

The German, however, realised that injuries have been an issue with Sturridge. As a matter of fact, injuries have kept the striker to just five games, 12 shots and two goals in the 2015-2016 Barclays Premier League season, which obviously has not helped the Reds' performances.

Last season, Sturridge only took part in seven Premier League games and scored four goals and notched a single assist. The 2013-2014 year was the most recent time Sturridge has been fully healthy. The 26-year-old scored 21 goals and registered seven assists across 26 top-flight games. 

Klopp acknowledged that there were "a few problems in the past with injuries" not just since his managerial appointment in October, but said that now "this is the past" and it would be "cool" if they could "leave it there" when asked about previous comments on the player's injury problems.

"I don't know exactly when it was," he admitted, adding that he said "what Daniel needs" and explained "what each player needs is consistent training."

"That's normal to be fit for Premier League football," Klopp stated, saying that his medical team "tried everything" to "bring him in this shape" and said now they're "in the moment where we hopefully can get the benefit of this work."

Player's return a huge boost

Sturridge could be in line to make his comeback for Liverpool against West Ham United in the FA Cup on Tuesday night with striker highly unlikely to be ready for Sunderland this Saturday. 

The news of Sturridge's coming return is huge for the striker, the team and the fans. Sturridge will look to gain confidence and fitness while helping his team progress to the next round in the FA Cup, if he plays against the Hammers. The club's supporters will also be excited to see a player with immediate impact getting back on the field after such a long time out through injury. 

Only time will tell for the future of both Sturridge and the Reds. The 26-year-old will look to finish his rehab and get back on the pitch as soon as possible to help Liverpool and potentially put to bed any rumours he's planning to leave. 

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About the author
Evan Petzold
Evan Petzold is a Detroit-based journalist with expertise in covering the Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings. A member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA) and Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association (DBSA), he brings a unique skill set in reporting and broadcasting to the table.