Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has backed Daniel Sturridge to show his best once he returns to full fitness.
The injury-plagued striker suffered a hip problem during pre-season that saw him miss Liverpool's Premier League opener against Arsenal last Sunday.
Sturridge returned to the side for the match against Burnley on Saturday, but was largely ineffective as the Reds slumped to a surprise 2-0 defeat at Turf Moor.
"Daniel is still a very quick player but he's had a lot of injuries in the last few years and a few muscle issues - I have no idea how this exactly changes the mind of a player. He is still on the way back but he is still an outstanding player and even an outstanding player needs rhythm," Klopp told reporters.
"Saturday was not the best game of football Daniel has ever played but even in a game like this he could have scored. I don't compare him with the younger Daniel Sturridge. He is a really good player with all you need when he is fit. Obviously there is a bit I can do to help him (psychologically) but you have to accept as a manager that it is really rare you can say 100% what a player wants to hear.
"What I can say to any player is that what always happens is those who stay in the race and work really hard will get the benefit. That is how it is. Sometimes it is a little bit harder, sometimes easier, but that is for all of us the same."
Sturridge has been limited to just 19 Premier League starts over the past two seasons, but has still managed to score 12 goals.
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