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Klopp: Sturridge has to learn difference between 'serious pain and what is only pain'

Carl Recine / Reuters

Jurgen Klopp, yet to witness Daniel Sturridge's eye for goal since he arrived at Liverpool in early October, believes the Englishman needs to educate himself on assessing injuries.

Speaking after Sturridge was forced to miss Liverpool's Europa League victory over Girondins de Bordeaux due to a reported foot injury, Klopp expressed his belief that the 26-year-old forward must learn to differentiate between "serious pain and only pain," referencing the lengthy list of injuries that have hampered the player over the past few years.

Related: Liverpool's Sturridge to undergo scan on injured foot

"The situation is Daniel was very often injured in the last few months, and maybe years, so it is normal when you get back in training usually it is not the same quality (as before the injury) but you need training," Klopp said, according to the Press Association. "Your body has to learn to adapt to new intensities of training and in this time you have to learn what is serious pain and what is only pain.

"Everyone wants him back on the pitch but we all have to learn. Now we can say (his latest issue) is not that serious but it is not possible to go on as before so we have to react to every situation - which is normal for injuries.

"When Daniel comes back usually after this long break you would train five weeks in a row and play only in friendly games. That would be the best, but of course we know the world is not perfect so we have to try the best and the quickest. It is a really long period so now we have to stay patient, I am sorry to say; sorry for you, sorry for me, sorry for him."

Sturridge was limited to 18 appearances last season due to injuries to his thigh, calf, and hip, and he has only tallied three Premier League appearances in the ongoing campaign due to a knee injury.

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