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Daniel Sturridge injury latest: Liverpool striker to miss Basel match

Striker won't be available for Champions League group game

Tuesday 30 September 2014 13:40 BST

Daniel Sturridge at Anfield (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge will not be ready to face Basel in the Champions League this week.

It had been hoped the forward would return for last weekend's Merseyside derby yet the thigh injury picked up whilst on England duty persists.

The news is a blow for manager Brendan Rodgers who must persist with Mario Balotelli in attack.

The summer signing from AC Milan is yet to fire on all cylinders for Liverpool, however his only goal since moving to Anfield did come in the Champions League, the 2-1 win over Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets.

The absence of Sturridge has coincided with a dip in results for the Reds, with their win in Europe the only victory without him. Defeats to Aston Villa and West Ham were followed by a win only after penalties against Middlesbrough and then a draw with Everton.

Rodgers' side have only managed two goals in their last three Premier League games, whilst in comparison scored six in their first three with Sturridge.

Liverpool 2 Ludogorets 1 player ratings

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Liverpool 2 Ludogorets 1 player ratings

Simon Mignolet

Collected a couple of dangerous crosses but at fault for Ludogorets goal. 5

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Liverpool 2 Ludogorets 1 player ratings

Javi Manquillo

Didn't offer as much going forward as on the other flank, and when he did get into a scoring position blasted over the bar. Played a great first-time ball which Gerrard should have scored. 5

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Liverpool 2 Ludogorets 1 player ratings

Alberto Moreno

Crucial tackles and clearances. Was a constant threat with pace down the left although his deliveries were mixed. At the other end, made some crucial tackles, with a particularly vital intervention late on. 7

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Liverpool 2 Ludogorets 1 player ratings

Dejan Lovren

Threat from set-pieces and solid at the back with some strong headers and timely interventions. 6

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Liverpool 2 Ludogorets 1 player ratings

Mamadou Sakho

Dutiful performance. Made a key tackle inside his own box just before half-time. 6

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Liverpool 2 Ludogorets 1 player ratings

Steven Gerrard

Made some important tackles although not his most influential of nights until his late penalty. Should have scored header from close range. 6

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Liverpool 2 Ludogorets 1 player ratings

Jordan Henderson

Sharp, tidy passing and showed eagerness to get things moving forward. Should have at least got a free header opportunity on target. 6

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Liverpool 2 Ludogorets 1 player ratings

Philippe Coutinho

Busy, well involved. Good link up play with Sterling but struggled to really open things up. 5

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Liverpool 2 Ludogorets 1 player ratings

Raheem Sterling

Usual, zippy self and a constant threat to the Bulgarian visitors without making as many in-roads as his energy deserved. 6

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Liverpool 2 Ludogorets 1 player ratings

Adam Lallana

Constantly made runs beyond Balotelli and showed some skills. Couldn't get his shot away when in a great position. A little rusty. 5

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Liverpool 2 Ludogorets 1 player ratings

Mario Balotelli

Showed willingness to get involved, even tackling back at times. Slipped over a little too often. Looked like it was going to be a frustrating night but broke the deadlock with his stabbed finish. 7

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Liverpool will hope that Sturridge can return for their next league game, which is at home to West Brom.

Mamadou Sakho will also miss Wednesday night's Champions League trip to Switzerland.

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