Former Liverpool striker David Fairclough has told Daniel Sturridge to work on his "attitude and desire" as the forward continues to struggle with injuries.
The England international has been on the treatment table for the last three weeks with a knee injury, but it is not yet known when the 26-year-old will return to action.
Prior to his latest setback, Sturridge, who made just 12 appearances for Liverpool last season due to injuries, missed the team's first eight games of this campaign with a hip problem that required surgery in the summer.
Fairclough has praised the striker's talents, but suggests that he is not willing to play through the pain barrier.
"Daniel has real star quality but he has to work on his attitude and desire," Fairclough told talkSPORT. "Picking up these little knocks - surely from time to time they aren't as bad as first feared?
"Maybe the medical team offers players excuses because the modern footballer would not have gone through the pain barrier like older players did. You do have to be careful but sometimes you hope people show their grit and determination and put it aside to get out there."
Sturridge will play no part in tonight's Capital One Cup tie against Bournemouth at Anfield.
Danielle Joynson
