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Liverpool news: Jürgen Klopp urges Daniel Sturridge to seize his chance in EFL Cup semi-final at Southampton

Sturridge is expected to replace African Cup of Nations-bound Sadio Mane for Liverpool's EFL Cup semi-final first leg at Southampton on Wednesday

Wednesday 11 January 2017 08:37 GMT

Daniel Sturridge will get another chance to impress by Jurgen Klopp in Liverpool's EFL Cup clash at Southampton (Getty)

Jürgen Klopp says striker Daniel Sturridge needs to seize his opportunity to reclaim a spot in the Liverpool starting line-up as the club continue their hectic January schedule with a League Cup trip to Southampton on Wednesday.

Sturridge is back to full fitness and expected to feature in the semi-final first leg at St Mary's to plug a gap left by the absence of Senegalese winger Sadio Mane, who is away on national duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

"It would be fantastic and sometimes you need to feel lucky with timing," Liverpool manager Klopp told reporters of the England forward's prospects of forcing his way into the side.

"Sadio is away, Philippe (Coutinho) is on the way back (from injury) and Daniel is already back. That helps and I hope it stays like this for him."

Due to a series a minor injuries and Klopp's preferred front-three of Mane, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana, the 27-year-old has started just six games this season and appeared nine times off the bench, bagging six goals for the club.

Klopp, however, indicated that Sturridge could play a more significant role if the England international remained fit for the second half of the season.

"If Daniel is fit are there ever any arguments here about his quality? 'No'.

"If he stays on this fitness level and improving as he always should, that is perfect.

Liverpool's potential January transfers

Show all 10

1/10Liverpool's potential January transfers

Liverpool's potential January transfers

In: Javier Hernandez

The former Manchester United striker is on Liverpool’s radar as they look to bring in a striker in January. With Sturridge injured again and Mane heading off to Gabon for the African Cup of Nations, Liverpool will be short of options. After an impressive debut season in the Bundesliga, Hernandez’s form has dipped somewhat, recording only seven goals in 23 matches.

Liverpool's potential January transfers

In: Gabriel Barbosa

Inter signed ‘Gabigol’ from Santos in the summer for around £30 million. The promising Brazilian may be allowed to leave in January on loan after struggling to make his mark with the Nerazzurri. However, in Inter’s final match before the winter break against Lazio, Barbosa’s small cameo performance showed promise and coach Stefano Pioli may want to keep him at his disposal.

Liverpool's potential January transfers

In: Emil Forsberg

RB Leipzig have really made a name for themselves this season. After getting promoted, they reside in second place in the league, a truly remarkable first half to the season. This is in no small part down to Forsberg’s displays. The 25-year-old has scored five goals and created nine in 15 games for the German outfit, and with Coutinho injured, he could be an interesting addition to the side.

Liverpool's potential January transfers

In: Aaron Cresswell

The left-back position is something of a problem position for Liverpool this term with Alberto Moreno tumbling down the pecking order. James Milner has filled in, and performed admirably, but Jurgen Klopp may want to bring in a more natural left-back to claim the starting berth and Cresswell fits the bill.

Liverpool's potential January transfers

In: Quincy Promes

The 24-year-old winger, currently at Spartak Moscow may move to Liverpool in a £20m deal this January, according to reports. Dutch international, Promes, is good friends with fellow native Georginio Wijnaldum, who wants him to join the club. With Mane on international duty for a month, Promes could also be a good loan option too, but Spartak are probably unwilling to let him go on loan.

Liverpool's potential January transfers

In: Raul Jimenez

Reports are suggesting that Liverpool will bid for the Benfica hitman in January, but it is not likely that the Portuguese outfit will sell him. The Reds may have to shell out up to £50m to secure his services after the Mexican striker has netted five goals in ten games this season, whilst struggling with a knee injury.

Liverpool's potential January transfers

In: Jacob Murphy

21-year-old Norwich City academy product Murphy may be a Liverpool player by the end of the month. After a decent first half of the season, netting five goals and also grabbing five assists, Murphy could soon be in line for a big move.

Liverpool's potential January transfers

Out: Mamadou Sakho

The French centre-back is completely out-of-favour with boss Klopp and it is likely that he may be sold in the January transfer window. Rumours have surfaced that Turkish giants Galatasaray have bid £850,000 for the former PSG captain, but other European clubs are chasing his signature.

Liverpool's potential January transfers

Out: Lucas Leiva

The deal for Lucas Leiva to head to Inter on loan was thought to have been done, but the Milan club have put it on hold. This is because they look to have favoured a move for 22-year-old Atalanta midfielder Roberto Gagliardini. The deal could still be on though as Inter look to sell midfielders of their own such as Felipe Melo.

Liverpool's potential January transfers

Out: Alberto Moreno

Moreno has struggled this season. After a shaky start against Arsenal, the Spanish international seems to have lost his place to Milner. Klopp may want to cash-in on the 24-year-old as he looks to strengthen that position, or he may well stick with him as back-up, with Milner impressing.

"It is perfect news for him and for us that he can perform. It would be cool if we could speak like this for the next few weeks and months," Klopp added.

Following the midweek cup encounter, second-placed Liverpool visit sixth-placed Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.

Reuters

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