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Klopp backs 'outstanding' Sturridge

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp believes that Daniel Sturridge will regain his speed and sharpness once he is fully fit.

The England international made his first appearance of the season in the 2-0 defeat at Burnley last Saturday, after a hip problem kept him out of their opening win against Arsenal.

He was deployed on the right-hand side of a front three, but spent more time dropping deep than bursting forward with his characteristic pace and had only one shot of note which flew past goalkeeper Tom Heaton's post.

Because of the 26-year-old's lengthy injury history, there will always be questions asked about his ability to reproduce his best, but Klopp sees no cause for concern at this point.

"Daniel is still a very quick player but he's had a lot of injuries in the last few years and a few muscle issues - I have no idea how this exactly changes the mind of a player," said Klopp.

"He is still on the way back, but he is still an outstanding player and even an outstanding player needs rhythm.

"Saturday was not the best game of football Daniel has ever played but, even in a game like this, he could have scored.

"I don't compare him with the younger Daniel Sturridge. He is a really good player with all you need when he is fit.

"Obviously, there is a bit I can do to help him (psychologically), but you have to accept as a manager that it is really rare you can say 100 per cent what a player wants to hear.

"What I can say to any player is that what always happens is those who stay in the race and work really hard will get the benefit." - PA Sport.

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