Daniel Sturridge: Liverpool should reveal true extent of striker's injuries, says Michael Owen

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from Anfield in recent weeks

Jürgen Klopp has been outspoken about Daniel Sturridge’s injury problems but the forward is fit to play some part (Getty)

Michael Owen believes Liverpool should reveal the exact nature of Daniel Sturridge’s injuries to prevent the whispering campaign which surrounds the England striker.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from Anfield in recent weeks as details emerge about his unhappiness with the way the Reds have dealt with the saga.

Sturridge returned from his latest injury set-back in the 59th minute as a substitute in the FA Cup fourth round reply defeat to West Ham United on Tuesday night.

Former Liverpool striker Owen, speaking ahead of BT Sport’s Champions League and Europa League coverage, said: “I find it hard to have a view on Daniel Sturridge until we find out what’s wrong. The club have not really said. Until we know exactly what problems he has had or has got, it is fuelling a lot of rumours.

“People are saying things that are potentially unfair. I have been injured before and if he is getting muscle injuries then I have every sympathy because they are debilitating. You cannot play on with muscle injuries, they just tear, tear and tear until they erupt. It is the worst thing ever.

“However, if he has joint pain – an ankle, a knee and a hip – it can be manageable. It is all about pain thresholds. We have not really been given the information so I do wince a little bit when I see people having a real go.

“I wish we knew a bit more. We all get texts on our phones saying Sturridge has done this or that, but it is all people guessing.

“If he gets fit, he could be the fly in the ointment for England in terms of Wayne Rooney, Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane. If he gets fit and bangs them in to the end of the season.

“He held the shirt before he got injured, so he would be right in amongst it. He is a really good finisher, is quick and has a lot of confidence. He has a lot of class and would shoot right back into the reckoning.

“But he is running out of time and with a dozen games left, if he got injured between now and the end of the season, you would have to say it is not going to happen.”