Philippe Coutinho's form and Daniel Sturridge's injury are problems for Jurgen Klopp says Mark Lawrenson

Liverpool star duo Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge are problems for new manager Jurgen Klopp, according to club legend Mark Lawrenson. The German boss replaced Brendan Rodgers as the Reds' manager in October.

The Brazil international has scored one goal and managed two assists in all competitions for the Merseyside club this season. The former Liverpool defender believes the 23-year-old's dip in form is a problem for Klopp, which has seen him being dropped from the national squad for the World Cup qualifiers in November.

Coutinho was linked with a move to Barcelona, according to Spanish newspaper Sport. However, his "good friend" Luico told IBTimes UK that the midfielder should snub any advance from the Spanish giants. Lawrenson has claimed that Liverpool's No 10 is not going to join the treble winners or Real Madrid anytime soon.

"How do you solve a problem like Philippe Coutinho? The manner in which Jurgen Klopp utilises the Brazilian will be something to watch over the coming weeks," Lawrenson told the Liverpool Echo.

"Klopp has probably looked at Coutinho's performances over the last few months and thought 'I keep reading about what a player you are, but I'm not really seeing it'. I thought Coutinho was wasteful against Rubin Kazan and then disappeared out of the game. This is Rubin Kazan we're talking about. Not a Chelsea or Manchester City. But that inability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck has been a problem all season," the former Liverpool legend said.

"I don't think Coutinho is giving the team enough. As for this talk of a possible move away from Anfield, Coutinho needs a bit of a reality check. He ain't going to Barcelona or Real Madrid any time soon," he added.

Meanwhile, Sturridge has been struggling with one more injury, which has seen him wait to make his first appearance since Klopp took over the reigns at Anfield. Lawrenson admitted that the England international's injury is hurting Liverpool and has urged the striker to prove his worth at the club.

"...he [Klopp] may start looking at Daniel Sturridge and think 'How many games are you going to actually play for me this season?'. He may then think 'what if I get him fit and he only plays half-a-dozen games?' and maybe 'what if I sell him?' These are all things he is probably going to think about over the coming weeks and months," the former Reds defender said.

"Liverpool are struggling without Sturridge. The difference he makes can be seen on how the team plays when he isn't there. We've really been struggling to break down teams and the lack of a consistent striker is really hurting us now," he concluded.