Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was unable to clear up the reasons why Sturridge missed out on his latest chance to make a first team comeback, as he offered this explanation for his absence.
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“Lovren believes several crucial aspects of Liverpool’s performance have been enhanced by the German coach”, says The Guardian.
In Baku, Harry Kane fired Tottenham Hotspur into the knock-out stages of the Europa League as the Londoners finally overcame stubborn Group J underdogs Qarabag with a 1-0 win.
Sturridge, 26, was expected to feature for the Reds in their 2-1 Europa League win over Bordeaux on Thursday, only to be left out of the squad after sustaining another injury.
“But I’m very happy to be qualified, the team is very happy to be qualified, the club is very happy to be qualified, so you can be happy to be qualified if you want”.
Klopp had taken a risk-averse approach with Sturridge, refusing to rush him back before he was ready but the England international’s troubles seem never-ending. Henri Saivet is joined by strike-partner Enzo Crivelli as the favourites to score this week for the visitors, with the latter looking to bag his second goal in two games.
He said: “There were many good things in this game tonight but of course some things were very hard”. Most of the goals we conceded were set-plays.
Liverpool came in to this game knowing that a victory would send them through to the round of 32, and Jurgen Klopp selected a very strong side to ensure that they do so.
The Liverpool manager, who could be without the ill Martin Skrtel and will be without Philippe Coutinho against Bordeaux, added: “Daniel’s had another three or four sessions since Saturday which is important”.
“I don’t know too much about the situation because it was in the afternoon after training – not what I saw as we trained in two groups and I was with the starting line-up”, he said.
“If he is feeling good at the moment maybe he will get a few minutes – or more – we will see in the game”.
“We’ll put this behind us and then look to answer in the next games”.
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The goal allowed Liverpool to control the second half with Benteke, Milner and Jordon Ibe all going close but Mignolet was rarely troubled at the other end. “He can train seven or eight times in a row which is the longest period since I’ve been here”.
