Brendan Rodgers has explained that Daniel Sturridge is 'highly unlikely' to be fit for Liverpool's Champions League clash with Real Madrid – despite travelling to Spain with the squad.

The striker joined his teammates on the flight from John Lennon airport on Monday afternoon as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.

However, Rodgers revealed the Reds made the decision to bring all senior players to the Spanish capital to harness the team spirit within the camp.

"I brought every player out with us," the boss told his pre-match press conference at the Bernabeu.

"This game and the game at the weekend [against Chelsea] are very important for us, and it's a sign that we're very much together.

"All the players have travelled, injured or fit, and we'll work out here over the next couple of days.

"With Daniel, we'll see how he responds, but it's highly unlikely he'll be fit."