Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge has only started four Premier League games this season Getty Images

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge could miss the Merseyside derby against Everton on 19 December after being ruled out for at least another two weeks with a calf injury. The England international has missed the Reds' last three matches and is yet to resume training with the first team squad.

The 27-year-old has played a peripheral role this season, starting just four Premier League matches in all while his goals have been restricted to the club's campaign in the English Football League Cup. Such marginalisation has led to rumours the ex-Chelsea and Manchester City forward could be offloaded in the coming months.

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Sturridge has endured an injury-plagued career, particularly at Liverpool where he has mustered 103 appearances across five seasons at the club. Klopp has delivered a concerning update regarding his fitness. The German coach has no timeline regarding Sturridge's possible return, which may even see him miss the trip to Everton in a fortnight.

"No idea when he will be back. Until now he hasn't trained," Klopp said ahead of Liverpool's clash with West Ham, according to the Liverpool Echo. "Maybe today he will go on the pitch, but that means we're starting football work on the pitch and not with the team, with the rehab coach. He's not with the team. He's not happy. That's the life of footballer. You can't force these things.

"You can't force these things, it doesn't matter the quality of the player. As a manager you have to wait until they are back and sometimes you have to wait a little bit longer because you decide then what we already have in the past; a few days training would be nice before you start them

"It's not perfect with our situation with Phil and Danny. Hopefully he will be back as quick as possible – but I have no idea. We don't have to think about him for West Ham or Middlesbrough. Maybe then but I have no idea. I can't make timelines. What's the game after Middlesbrough. Everton? Oh! That would be nice but I have no idea."

Sadio Mane and Joel Matip are both fit following respective knocks and could start against West Ham. Philippe Coutinho, Adam Bogdan and Danny Ings are meanwhile long-term injury concerns as Liverpool look to bounce back from the stoppage time defeat to Bournemouth last weekend.

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