Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has told Daniel Sturridge he must learn to play through the pain barrier to conquer his injury problems.
Sturridge pulled out of the squad for the 2-1 Uefa Europa League win over Bordeaux on Thursday after reporting discomfort in his foot.
He has missed almost as many matches as he has featured in since joining the club in January 2013. Hip surgery in May has restricted him to 252 minutes over three appearances this season.
Sturrudge, 26, featured in 18 matches in the previous campaign because of thigh, calf and hip problems.
Klopp has yet to play him since taking over as manager in mid-October.
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The German has made allowances for the amount of time Sturridge has been sidelined, but said the England international cannot be given an extended period to recover because they are deep into the season.
“The situation is Daniel was very often injured in the last few months, and maybe years, so it is normal when you get back in training, usually it is not the quality, but you need training,” Klopp said ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Swansea.
“Your body has to learn to adapt to new intensities of training and in this time you have to learn what is serious pain and what is only pain.
“Everyone wants him back on the pitch but we all have to learn.”
Klopp said Sturridge’s latest injury “is not that serious but it is not possible to go on as before so we have to react to every situation, which is normal for injuries”.
The manager added: “When Daniel comes back usually after this long break you would train five weeks in a row and play only in friendly games.
“That would be the best, but of course we know the world is not perfect so we have to try the best and the quickest.”
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
