Maybe My Injury Is Hereditory - Daniel Sturridge

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge fears that the injuries which have ruled him out of much of the season could be hereditary. The former Chelsea man has not made an appearance since England's friendly against Norway in early September, having suffered from thigh and calf problems, and believes that injuries suffered by his family - including his uncle, former Derby County striker Dean Sturridge - could be linked to the issues that he has faced in recent years.


"I play my game as best I can but I've been unfortunate this season," he told talkSPORT.

"Maybe it's my body type, maybe it's hereditary. Both my uncles had injuries and my dad had them as well.

"Maybe it's the Caribbean vibes, maybe I have speed but maybe it makes you more vulnerable because of the fast twitch muscles and the speed at which you're moving.

"I am vulnerable to muscle injuries. As long as I continue to work hard, everything will take care of itself."

Sturridge's absence has led to Mario Balotelli leading the line for Brendan Rodgers's team but the Italian has come under fire, having only netted twice since his arrival from AC Milan in August.

The former Manchester City duo have only been paired together once due to Sturridge's injuries, a game in which the Reds beat Tottenham 3-0, but the 25-year-old is hopeful their relationship off the field will translate to the pitch when he regains his fitness.

"We get on well off the field and in the changing rooms. We're always laughing and joking," said the England star.

"It's not hugely important to be friends to have a great relationship with somebody and, if you're not friends, you can still have a great partnership but you can also be friends and have a great partnership.

"Once I get back fit, I'm hoping we can strike up a partnership. Last season with Luis [Suarez] we had a great relationship up front and scored a lot of goals. Hopefully this season it will be the same."