Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge may not play again this season

Brendan Rodgers has said Daniel Sturridge may not play again this season.

The Liverpool and England striker has suffered an injury-plagued season and has appeared in only 18 of Liverpool's 53 matches this season. He missed Saturday's 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion with a hip problem that forced him out of the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Aston Villa.

The manager cast doubt on Sturridge’s future last week by suggesting the club had to sign a consistent goalscorer who could perform “at a top level every week”.

“He’s not fit and once he can show that consistency and fitness, you can see in his performance level that it’s a high one. But obviously he has missed a lot of the season so we need to assess it. Either way, if he’s not available, we need to have that support,” Rodgers said last Thursday.

He added that he needed a top-class goalscorer whether it was Sturridge or a replacement. “I need one that is going to be playing and at a top level every week.”

Rodgers said on Monday: “It’s been difficult, Daniel is a good lad who wants to play and help the team but it’s been one of those seasons for him.

“He’s been very unfortunate and we’ll have to monitor day-by-day and see where he’s at.

“When he’s been fit, he’s been brilliant, it’s just about getting him back on a consistent basis. Whether that’s this season, or pre-season, has to be seen.”

Sturridge’s season of woe began with a thigh injury he suffered on international duty in September which Rodgers blamed on the England coaching set-up for not allowing him enough rest between games

Liverpool have five games remaining this season and lie fifth, seven points behind Manchester United who occupy the last Champions League place.