Injury Boost For Liverpool – Sturridge, Allen & Emre Set For Return
After picking up injuries while representing their countries, Liverpool trio, Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen and Can Emre were side-lined since last month and former Liverpool striker, Neil Mellor expects the Reds to have the triad back for the Reds’ trip against QPR on Sunday.
Liverpool has suffered setbacks as a result of injuries these past few weeks and it has affected their performances both in the Premier League and in Europe. With Sturridge injured, the Reds have been sluggish in attack. Quite obvious, Daniel Sturridge’s injury seems to have huge effect on the team than that of others.
Sitting at 9th position with 10 points from 3 wins, one draw and three loses in the Premier League, Liverpool’s poor form is largely own to their present injury woes; one that has been complicated following the injury of 20 year old Lazar Markovic (midfield) and Dejan Lovren (defence), leaving the team with just two central defenders; Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure.
Liverpool sits at second position, with 3 points from two matches, in the Champions’ League Group B table despite suffering a shocking home defeat to Switzerland Champions, Basel. Nevertheless, the absence of midfielder, Allen, has also hurt the Reds too.
Mellor who wrote in the ‘Liverpool Echo’: “we should have Joe Allen, Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge all back for the trip to QPR next weekend.
“That’s great if so. It will add depth to the squad, strength to the bench and mean more competition for places.”
While this is true, it is also good news for Brendan Rodgers’ side ahead of their Champions League match mouth-watery clash against defending Champions’ League winners, Real Madrid. “With due respect to Emre and Allen, the biggest boost is easily the return Sturridge. For me he is simply the best English striker in the Premier League. His goals to game stats alone prove it.
“Seeing him out there just ahead of Real Madrid’s visit to Anfield will give us all a, huge lift.” Mellor insisted.
The return of the trio is indeed a boost to their attacking class ahead of their Sunday clash with Queens Park Rangers and a sign of getting back to winning ways but the form of latest signing, Mario Balotelli is something of a concern. While former striker, Mellor, announced the return of Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen and Emre Can, the club has not confirmed the possible return of the three, neither has Rodgers mentioned their participation in the Sunday clash with QPR.
Although the reason for a quick return is urgent, Brendan Rodgers should not be tempted to put his returned player on the field immediately. Emre is presently struggling for fitness and the temptation to put them out to play in other to get desired results could further put the Reds into deeper trouble should they sustain further injuries which could aggravate their conditions.
The return of Allen is particularly important to the team; he plays a defined key role in how Rodgers wants his team to press from midfield. The return of the Welshman is indeed a big boost to the team, so also the return of Emre, particularly Daniel Sturridge, if they desire to be threatening in front of goal once more.