Friday 2 December 2016 15:24, UK
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has dismissed the possibility of selling Daniel Sturridge but did confirm the England striker will miss Sunday’s game against Bournemouth through injury.
Sturridge has been absent from Liverpool's past two matches against Sunderland and Leeds with a calf problem, and has yet to return to first-team training.
The 27-year-old has failed to score a goal and is yet to complete 90 minutes for Liverpool in the Premier League this season, starting just five of 13 games.
Sturridge's struggle for playing time has led to speculation he could be allowed to leave Anfield in January, but Klopp insists that is not the case and he remains a valuable member of the squad.
"The funny thing is you create stories that aren't stories, and then you ask me about the stories that aren't stories," said Klopp.
"There is absolutely no idea to sell anybody from the first-team squad. It wouldn't make sense.
"Unfortunately Daniel is not in training. That's what I'm most concerned about, more than transfer rumours, I'm prepared for January. What you ask me will be funny I'm sure."
Sturridge's calf injury paved the way for Divock Origi to take advantage of a rare opportunity for extended playing time in last Saturday's 2-0 win over Sunderland.
The Belgian international scored his first league goal of the season after replacing the injured Philippe Coutinho in the 34th minute and Klopp says he has been very pleased with Origi's attitude this season.
Klopp said: "He was ready for the specific moment. I think everybody could see the difference.
"He is still 21, and he has had not much match time. He had very little rhythm. But always working, never moaning. It was really nice to see."
Adam Lallana is in line to feature at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday after returning to training on Thursday. The England midfielder had sat out the Reds' past three matches after suffering a groin injury in England's friendly draw with Spain at Wembley last month.
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