Brendan Rodgers Rules Out Divock Origi Liverpool Return Amid Daniel Sturridge Injury Woes

Brendan Rodgers has ruled out the possibility of Belgian striker Divock Origi returning to the club in January.

The Reds are still reeling from news that Daniel Sturridge is facing another spell on the sidelines after suffering a recurrence of a thigh injury in training on Tuesday which will require him to see a specialist.

The England international has not played since the end of August, and since then Liverpool's other three forward options have failed to score in the Premier League.

Those struggles in front of goal have led to calls for the club to bring Origi back to Anfield ahead of schedule, after allowing the Belgian international to remain at Lille for the 2014/15 campaign.

But Rodgers insists there is no possibility of that happening, telling reporters: "Origi is a young player we signed last summer on agreement he had to stay at Lille. That was one of main reasons we were able to sign him. As far as I'm concerned that's still case with Origi."

Liverpool travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday, the scene of last season's title capitulation where they surrendered a 3-0 lead to leave Selhurst Park with just a point.

Rodgers could turn to Mario Balotelli to lead his attack against Neil Warnock's side, but the Italian international is facing a late fitness test after withdrawing from international duty with a hamstring strain.

Jordan Henderson however will be available, despite missing England's 3-1 win over Scotland on Tuesday with a hamstring problem.

Liverpool currently languish in 11<sup>th place and face a fight to qualify for the knock out stages of the Champions League having taken just three points from four group games.

Despite current problems, Rodgers remains upbeat, insisting his players are still adapting to new methods implemented this season.

"We've played various systems in my time here. We will always explore different options. That's my job as manager. The adverse moments provide you with the opportunity to go and fight even harder. We can't complain."