Liverpool host Slovenian outfit Maribor on Wednesday night on matchday 4 of the Champions League group stage, and following their 7-nil shellacking of the visitors a fortnight ago, the return leg is expected to be a walk in the park.
Manager Jurgen Klopp will very much likely field a second-string side against Maribor, handing star striker Daniel Sturridge a chance to start a Champions League game in 5 years.
Ahead of a potential run-out of a clash, the England international has declared himself fit and also ready to lead the line for the Reds going forward.
The 28-year-old told Liverpool Echo: “We’ve been in the Champions League two times since I’ve been at the club. Obviously I missed out the first time but hopefully I can be a big part of this European campaign.
“I played in the competition many times for Chelsea and we won it when I was there. It’s nothing new to me. You want to be playing at this level. I am ready for when the opportunity comes.
“The manager picks the team. We’ll have to wait and see what he decides. From my perspective, I’m feeling good. I want to stay healthy and I want to keep scoring goals for the team. It’s my job to go out there, put my best foot forward and show what I can do.”
Sturridge is without a Champions League goal since 2010, and will be hoping to make up for lost time and also prove his worth against Maribor.
He has been limited to only 4 league starts this term having long lost him starting berth to Roberto Firmino.
With injuries to Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana, Sturridge has more playing minutes to himself to impress, and the Maribor game could be the start to his ultimate return to long-lost form.
