Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has warned Danny Ings that he may have to bide his time for a first-team chance at Anfield this season.
The 24-year-old joined on a free transfer last summer but suffered a cruciate injury shortly after Klopp's arrival and did not return until the final game of the season.
With Daniel Sturridge due back this weekend to challenge Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi and Sadio Mane for a forward place, Klopp is offering Ings no immediate guarantee of Premier League action.
"I like Danny, I talked to him and I told him last week in my opinion it is better he collects game time," Klopp told reporters on Friday.
"The situation here is like it is. We have not a big problem in this moment with strikers."
Klopp left Ings out of his squad for Sunday's 4-3 victory at Arsenal and instead sent him to play for the Reds' Under-23 side.