Jürgen Klopp has said Liverpool have no intention of selling Daniel Sturridge or any member of their first team squad when the transfer window reopens in January.
West Ham United and Stoke City have both been linked with a move for the England international, who has been restricted to four Premier League starts this season with Klopp favouring a front three of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and summer signing Sadio Mané.
Sturridge is also yet to score in the Premier League season while a calf problem will prevent him replacing the injured Coutinho at Bournemouth on Sunday. But, despite losing his regular first team role at Anfield, Sturridge remains part of Klopp’s plans for a Premier League challenge.
The Liverpool manager confirmed: “There is absolutely no thought or idea to sell any player from the first team squad. I don’t think it would make sense. Unfortunately Daniel is not in training now and that is what I am more concerned about than any transfer rumours, but I am prepared for everything you could ask me in January.”
Coutinho may be out until the new year with ankle ligament damage but Adam Lallana, who has missed the last three games with a groin injury, and Roberto Firmino, who took a kick to the calf against Sunderland last weekend, are in contention for Bournemouth.
“I am happy Lallana is back in training,” said Klopp. “Adam’s first session was on Thursday and it was good but of course we need to see how he reacts to the intensity of the training because it was quite intense for him. Roberto trained yesterday too. He still has a little bit of pain but it is painful but not serious. He’s quite a tough guy and came through the session so we will see how he reacts.”
