Latest LFC fitness update from Brendan
Brendan Rodgers today explained that other than having to 'wait and see' about the fitness of Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool will not be able to welcome back any of their injured players in time for the visit of West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
In addition to the striker, the Reds are currently without Joe Allen, Emre Can, Jon Flanagan, Glen Johnson and Mamadou Sakho - all on the sidelines with different complaints as the campaign enters its third month.
At his pre-match Melwood press conference for the weekend encounter against the Baggies, the manager was asked for the latest update on the condition of his squad, and reported no significant progress.
"At this moment in time, there is no-one new to come back into the squad," Rodgers explained, before adding specifically about Sturridge: "We'll have to wait and see."
One journalist in attendance at the club's training complex pondered whether the absence of Allen, who is out with a knee problem, had shown how important the Welsh midfielder is to the side.
Rodgers agreed and provided a positive assessment of a projected comeback for the No.24. "In this period it certainly has," the Northern Irishman answered. "He's a player that never gets mentioned, or very rarely.
"He's a player that very rarely turns over the ball, he always loves the football and he gets other people playing. The key feature for Joe on top of that is his intensity and pressure - he presses the game really well.
"He is a very intelligent footballer; tactically, he's outstanding in the game. And we've really missed his energy and quality since he's been out injured.
"He'll be back after the international break - it's too soon this weekend. But hopefully he'll be back for the Queens Park Rangers game."