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Daniel Sturridge is unlikely to feature in Liverpool FC’s Premier League clash with West Brom at Anfield on Saturday.

Brendan Rodgers revealed the striker, who was left out of the England squad for the forthcoming internationals against San Marino and Estonia, still hasn’t returned to full training.

A grade one thigh strain would usually keep a player out for two to three weeks but Sturridge has now been sidelined for a month.

“I can’t even think about England when he’s not ready to play for Liverpool,” said Rodgers, who confirmed that talks are ongoing with Sturridge’s agent over a new long-term contract. “My focus is now on getting him to play for Liverpool. He hasn’t trained with the team since his injury. He’s had a grade one injury now for nearly four weeks which is a long time.”

(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

Roy Hodgson agreed to Rodgers’ request to spare Sturridge from England duty, regardless of whether he features against the Baggies.

The Reds boss was fuming with the fact that the 25-year-old suffered the injury after being pushed too hard during an England training session but is confident there will be no similar issues in the future.

“I don’t think the same thing will happen again,” he said. “I know from conversations with Roy that they’ll look at that. I understand Roy’s position where he’s only got a few days to work with players. But you can still work players on the second (recovery) day. We work players here on the second day but it has to be tapered to the individual needs of a player. I have good communication with Roy.

“We spoke at length about the situation. Every player is different. I respect that he has work to do internationally but my thoughts are about Liverpool players and what their needs are. We agreed it was probably too soon for Daniel to meet up with England irrespective of whether he’s involved this weekend or not. It wasn’t the right time for him to go.”