Thursday 5 May 2016 19:07, UK
Phil Thompson fears that the potential absence of Daniel Sturridge from Jurgen Klopp's starting line-up against Villarreal on Thursday could signal the end of his Liverpool career.
The Reds will be looking to overturn a deficit against Villarreal after losing 1-0 in their Europa League semi-final first leg, for which Sturridge was an unused substitute by Jurgen Klopp.
The striker then played the full 90 minutes in Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Swansea in what was Liverpool's youngest-ever Premier League line-up, leaving Thommo concerned over Sturridge's future at the club.
The former club captain told Sky Sports: "I'm really worried for Daniel not getting any game time in the first leg and you could see his body language against Swansea was sort of resigned.
"It's a big night for his Liverpool career. I think if he doesn't play then he will have a big question mark over his future and whether he will fit in here.
"You want to have you manager's trust in you playing big games."
Klopp went for a defensive looking line-up in Spain with Roberto Firmino leading the line, while Christian Benteke, who scored after coming on at half-time at the Liberty Stadium, was brought on late in the game.
Thommo added: "I can appreciate Klopp starting Roberto Firmino, but I was shocked he didn't come on with 20 minutes to go, when an away goal looked up for grabs.
"Benteke came on at half-time on Sunday and his body language was positive and, with Klopp shaking his hand after he scored, you wonder whether he's ahead of Daniel in the pecking order.
"It's very difficult for us looking in and knowing what goes on the training but that may be what is determining how and why he's not started big games.
"For me, I would have definitely him in the starting line-up for the second leg."
The Soccer Saturday pundit is, however, confident that his former side can produce the necessary result to book their place in the Europa League final.
"I don't think there was anything to frighten Liverpool," he added. "I know they have a great defensive record but that's mainly at home.
"I think the way the celebrated the 1-0 scoreline like they were through would have been a big motivation for Liverpool and I think they will go through."
