Liverpool legend Phil Thompson believes it would be the correct decision to sell Mario Balotelli in the January transfer window – but only if Daniel Sturridge can prove his fitness – reports Sky Sports.
Balotelli has not scored a Premier League goal since signing from AC Milan in the summer for £16million.
And Thommo reckons Brendan Rodgers should look to freshen up the Reds strikeforce before the close of the transfer window.
He said: “I think they need to change things up and we need a bit more experience.
“We still need another striker. If you pin me down regarding Balotelli, he’s been in and out of squads – sometimes not even making the substitutes’ bench.
“To me, I would think if there’s an offer there for him from another club, then they will take it, as long as Sturridge is ready to come back.”
Sturridge has only featured three times for the Reds this season, with his last appearance in the 3-0 win over Tottenham back on August 31.
He has now returned to full training, and could make an appearance against Bolton in the FA Cup this weekend.
“When Sturridge returns, he will quite rightly be in this side,” Thompson added.
“What you’ve seen when Sterling goes up front is pace, and pace worries centre-backs. Balotelli and Lambert don’t run in behind the defenders, as Sterling does. So when you have him and Daniel in the side, like last year – you have two players to worry about.
“But when you’ve had an injury that has occurred before, then you have to handle with care. It’s when Brendan Rodgers and his medical staff think it’s the right time for him to come back. Whether he gets 20 minutes against Bolton, or 20 minutes against Chelsea in the second leg to try and ease him into it.
“It will be difficult because I believe this is a chronic injury and I think it has to be handled with kid gloves. What we – at Liverpool – don’t want is it to get worse, because then he’ll probably need an operation.”
