Liverpool vs Aston Villa: Brendan Rodgers criticises England's treatment of Daniel Sturridge and claims injury 'could've been prevented'

Striker has been ruled out for two weeks after picking up a thigh strain during a training session with the national side

Daniel Sturridge is an injury doubt for England for their match against Switzerland (Getty Images)

Brendan Rodgers has criticised England’s treatment of Daniel Sturridge after claiming that the Liverpool striker’s thigh injury “could have been prevented”.

Sturridge missed England’s 2-0 victory over Switzerland on Monday after suffering a thigh strain during a training session, which forced him to return to his club to undergo further treatment. While England put in their best performance for some time in Basel, Sturridge won’t have been too comfortable with what he was watching, as his replacement Danny Welbeck seized his chance with both goals against the Swiss.

Liverpool face Aston Villa this weekend and will be without the services of Sturridge – who could also miss ties against West Ham, Middlesbrough and Ludogrets as well as the Merseyside derby against Everton.

His absence has upset Rodgers, who will now be without one of his most influential players for around two weeks.

“The only disappointment for us was Daniel Sturridge coming back injured as he had started the season very well,” Rodgers told Talksport.

“We’re obviously disappointed because we feel it was an injury which could have been prevented.

“He has worked so hard over pre-season and looked very fit and strong in our last game against Tottenham.”

Sturridge is given two days rest following Liverpool matches as Rodgers feels the need to look after his players that use pace as a key element of their game. With England beating Norway 1-0 last week, Sturridge was not afforded the same amount of rest than he is used to, and the Northern Irishman hinted that it is because of the quick turnaround to prepare to face Switzerland that the striker picked up the thigh strain.

“I think clubs work differently at times to international teams,” said Rodgers.

“It’s more the recovery strategy. When we look at our players here we look at them individually in terms of what their needs are.

“Fast players would have a second day recovery while other players can work on that day.

Rodgers is clearly unhappy with England's treatment of Sturridge (GETTY IMAGES)

“When you are that type of player like Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and boys like Danny Welbeck you need to recover them.”

Rodgers could turn to former Southampton striker Rickie Lambert to combine with £16m summer signing Mario Balotelli this weekend, although he could decide to leave Balotelli alone in attack and bolster the midfield by handing Adam Lallana his Liverpool debut.