Not again? Afraid so Liverpool fans, Daniel Sturridge is once again set for a spell on the sidelines after being sent home from England’s training camp.

Roy Hodgson cannot be blamed this time, though, with the striker picking up a torn muscle in his hip during the loss at home to Manchester United on Sunday – which may cost the club top four football, and has left them facing three games without Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel.

Initially considered to be minor issue, scans have revealed that Sturridge’s problem could leave him out of action for a month, in which time he will miss vital Premier League and FA Cup games, to add to the five months he’s already sat out this season.

The skilful striker may have hit in excess of 30 goals in just over 50 outing for Liverpool, but is it time for the Merseyside club to think about cutting their losses this summer? Maybe, and here are FIVE reasons why…

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Cannot be relied upon to stay fit

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Since joining Liverpool in January 2013 – just over two years ago – Sturridge has suffered 14 injuries. FOURTEEN. He’s already missed five months of action this term, which put a serious strain on Brendan Rodgers’ squad, and was absent for large chunks of 2013/14 – although Luis Suarez’s eternal fitness covered that well.

It’s not as such Sturridge’s fault that he picks up these knocks and strains, but there comes a point when Liverpool must realise that he cannot be relied upon to get them through an entire campaign.

Should command a decent fee

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Despite his injury woes, Sturridge is English and still relatively young at 25. These factors mean that he could well attract a decent fee from an interested rival. Chelsea appears to be a no-go after his fruitless spell there, while Manchester City may be a tricky one given that he left them as a youngster.

A move abroad could be an option, with more and more English players testing their skills outside of the Premier League.

Sterling can play the role

Top scorer for Liverpool in the league with six goals – we’re not counting Steven Gerrard’s penalties and free-kicks – Sterling has proven himself capable in a variety of roles. Sturridge’s injury woes saw Rodgers thrust him into a slot as the central striker, and although he lacks the physicality to occupy centre-backs, his movement and pace have come to the fore.

Aside from his run in the ‘No. 10’ last season, Sterling’s best form has come as the focal point of the attack, making it a long-term role to consider, and one that may make him rethink his stance in regard to contract negotiations.

Doesn’t seem suited to the 3-4-2-1

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Sturridge’s return earlier this year saw him thrust into Rodgers’ new system. Recovery may be an issue preventing him from reaching the highs of last term, but the 25-year-old has appeared to be a little off the pace of late, with his movement not quite there. The goals have come, albeit not in a prolific nature, yet his performances haven’t quite been of the level Reds and had hoped for.

Options out there

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As ever, this summer is likely to be a busy one on terms of transfers across Europe. Should Liverpool go shopping for a forward, there will be lots of choice.

Mauro Icardi of Inter Milan looks a decent bet for an side in need of a pacey, tenacious striker, while Palermo’s Paulo Dybala is not dissimilar. Karim Benzema remains a target, and there has even been talk of a shock move for Manchester United’s struggling loanee Radamel Falcao.