Thursday, 21st November, 2013
Daniel Sturridge playing 90 minutes in a friendly with "a dead leg" was not ideal for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who feels the player's wishes had taken precedent.
Sturridge turned out for England in Tuesday's friendly defeat to Germany, and it has now emerged the striker was less than 100% after picking up a niggle in the win over Fulham on 9th November.
Sturridge has struggled to be fit for England games in recent months, though Rodgers has never subscribed to the club-over-country theory mooted.
"He obviously went to England with an injury", Rodgers told a press conference ahead of Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton. "He's had a dead leg for about three to four weeks.
relatedNewsStory
"He hardly trained when he left after Fulham. But sometimes managers are led by the players as well.
"You, as the manager, ask the player how they're feeling. They say they want to play 90 minutes so it's something you have to consider.
"I spoke with Daniel and had the conversation. He's played the game and we'll asses him now. We'll see how he is in the next couple of days."
Top tips from tipsters who know the game and betting match previews. Make sure you visit Inside Bet!
