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Brendan Rodgers defends Daniel Sturridge following fitness controversy

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers defends Daniel Sturridge's commitment to England following his absence due to a thigh strain.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted that there is no issue with striker Daniel Sturridge's commitments following his absence from England's World Cup qualifiers.

The 24-year-old was ruled out of the Three Lions' matches against Moldova and Ukraine with a thigh problem, but is expected to feature for Liverpool in Monday evening's match against Swansea City.

"He was obviously disappointed to miss out on the England games and I felt for him because he came here, first and foremost, to be do as well as he possibly can for Liverpool - knowing if he could do well, his aim was obviously to be the England striker," Rodgers told the club's official website.

"It was the medical experts who made the decision, it wasn't Daniel Sturridge. By the time we play on Monday, it'll be nearly two weeks and for a grade 1 strain, people in football and the experts who know better than I will you tell you it is perfectly reasonable to be back playing in that timescale."

The Northern Irishman confirmed that a late fitness test will determine whether Sturridge can feature for the Reds at the Liberty Stadium.

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Liverpool Manager Brendan Rodgers gestures during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on September 01, 2013
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