Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out for the club’s next two games with a calf injury and faces a race to be fit in time for the Merseyside derby with Everton.

Sturridge has been struggling with the problem and has not featured for the Reds since a 12-minute cameo in the goalless draw with Southampton on November 19.

No timescale has been put on the 27-year-old’s return by Jurgen Klopp although the Liverpool manager confirmed the player has resumed work on grass again.

Sturridge has frequently struggled in December and has not started a single Premier League match for the Reds in the month since he joined in January 2013.

The England international’s last start in the month came for Chelsea on New Year's Eve 2011 against Aston Villa.

“I have no idea,” Klopp said, when asked about Sturridge’s likely return date. “Until now he didn't train. He wasn't 100 per cent yesterday but he will be on the pitch today but that means starting the work.

“He won't be with the team. I have no idea when he will be back. What can you do? Nothing. Wait. That is my job.



“He is not in training with the team at the moment so we don't have to think about him for the team with West Ham and Middlesbrough but maybe then. What's the game after Middlesbrough? Everton? Oh!”

Sturridge’s latest setback is his 22nd different injury since his £12m switch from Chelsea.

He has made just 11 appearances this season, six as substitute, and his only goals have come in the EFL Cup with two apiece against Burton and Tottenham.

Klopp revealed that Sturridge was “not happy” but both he and the player must accept the hand they have been dealt.

Liverpool January transfer targets Show all 7 1 /7 Liverpool January transfer targets Liverpool January transfer targets Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund) The Merseyside club failed with an £11m bid for the 18-year-old striker in the summer, but may try their hand at signing him again this January. Pulisic is one of Europe's most highly-rated teenagers, having already made his international debut for the United States. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Virgil van Dijk (Southampton) It would not be a transfer window without Liverpool being linked with somebody from Southampton. This time it's Van Dijk, who has emerged as one of the Premier League's best centre-halves since arriving on the south coast from Celtic. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen) Jurgen Klopp is reportedly keen to strengthen his defence and the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back would be a good addition for the Reds. The German Tah is only 20 years of age but has impressed for both club and country this season. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Paul-Georges Ntep (Rennes) The left-midfielder’s deal at Rennes expires at the end of the season and so he will be free to sign a pre-contract in January. A strong dribbler of the ball, Ntep has been made two appearances for France. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon) Seeing as Roberto Firmino is not a natural no. 9 and Daniel Sturridge has fallen out of favour, Liverpool have been linked with several strikers including French forward Alexandre Lacazette. The Lyon striker is quick, explosive and has already reached double figures this season. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) The Athletic Bilbao youngster signed a new contract in January with a release clause of €50m, but the rumours linking him with Anfield have not died down. The 22-year-old would certainly fit in with Jurgen Klopp’s style of play. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Mahmoud Dahoud (Borussia Monchengladbach) Jurgen Klopp has long admired the Germany under-21 midfielder, who plies his trade with Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany. Klopp will have to do battle with former club Dortmund to sign the German, while Italian giants Juventus are also interested. Getty

“That is the life of football. You cannot force things like this,” added the German.

“It is not important what the name of the player or the quality of the player you have to wait until they are back.

“Sometimes you have to wait a little bit longer because you decide then what we had in the past (was better). A few days training would be nice before we start them again.

“Of course it is not perfect in our situation with Phil (Coutinho) and Danny.