Brendan Rodgers admits Liverpool are not the same side without Daniel Sturridge, with the forward still no closer to making a first team comeback.
The 25-year-old has not featured for the Reds since August 31, having initially been ruled out for six weeks having injured himself on international duty.
Sturridge has since suffered another injury setback, and Rodgers admits Liverpool have struggled to cope without him – managing just seven league goals in six matches in his absence.
“Top players have such an influence on the team,” Rodgers said.
“When you are under the cosh, you know that you have strikers who can score out of nothing. It is a big weapon.
“Sturridge is one of them. That is where we aim to get with Daniel.
“But he won’t become a top European striker until he plays consistently. It doesn’t matter about potential. You have to play.
“When he comes back into the team, you will see the confidence because of the movement and the dynamic.
“But he isn’t fit and he hasn’t been for a long time.”
