Tuesday 21 November 2017 16:37, UK
Liverpool legend Phil Thompson believes striker Daniel Sturridge needs to leave Anfield in January to have a chance of making the World Cup squad.
The 28-year-old has started just four Premier League games this season and none of the Reds' Champions League games, while he has been an unused substitute in their last two games.
Sturridge was also left out of Gareth Southgate's latest squad for friendlies with Germany and Brazil, with Tammy Abraham and Reds team-mate Dominic Solanke preferred.
Thommo told Sky Sports: "If I was Jurgen Klopp I'd want him to stay but I understand Sturridge wanting to go. He will not go to the World Cup if he continues within the current squad status.
"As a Liverpool fan, I want to see our squad remain together because it isn't that big as it is and he does enhance it. However, on a personal side, having been a player, I'd be worried his chance is passing him by.
"This could maybe be his last World Cup, and when you look at the players who are in that squad, he can still have a major say if he can get back in there. He must be thinking he could play a part this summer.
"I think he'll want to play more regularly and look at his options in January. He'll look at someone like Jermain Defoe and think there is hope that he can leave and get back into the squad."
However, Thommo thinks Sturridge will either have to move to a lower-profile club or go abroad if he is to get the necessary playing time to make his case.
"I don't think one of the big six would take him so it is a big decision what he does," the Soccer Saturday pundit added. "He could also get games by going abroad."
"Defoe thought he was going to Bournemouth to play but he doesn't get in and is now out of the England squad again, so Daniel has got to think about where he is guaranteed the minutes."
