COMMENT: Right. This is it. The revival starts now. Against Bournemouth. Daniel Sturridge 2.0 is officially launched...
...Oh, if it could only be that simple.
Sturridge was back in training on Monday. And by all accounts, for those watching on at Melwood, he looked sharp. But the crown hasn't just slipped. It's dropped like a stone, shattered at Sturridge's feet.
He's no longer at risk of becoming an afterthought. As harsh as it is, Sturridge is an afterthought. With Sadio Mane way laid after Saturday's triumph over Everton, it was put to Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's manager, who he could turn to as cover for Wednesday's visit of the Cherries.
The German did mention Sturridge, but in the same breath enthusiastically talked up the prospect of utilising the pace of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn. Teenagers. Kids. In contrast to Sturridge, who at 27 should be at the peak of his powers.
Instead, he's been forgotten. A footnote in a season which has Liverpool re-establishing themselves as genuine top four contenders. Sturridge shouldn't be just driving this revival. He should be the tip of the spear. The one we're all talking about. Instead, he's barely warranting a mention. The one Liverpool turns to when the cupboard is bare.
And, if you read between the lines, as far as Klopp is concerned, Sturridge has only himself to blame.
Come Wednesday night, if he does get on the pitch, it'll be the striker's first appearance since the dismal defeat at Hull City - two months ago. Sturridge didn't start that game, he was a late substitute. Again an afterthought. When all else fails...
Since then, he's been 'hit' by a virus. Yeah, a virus. And then a hip problem. But now he's clear of any such woes. Well, so Klopp has been told...
And that gets at the heart of this issue. With an emphasis on the ticker. Sturridge's reluctance to take the field unless he feels at 100 per cent is now common knowledge. As is his fractious relationship with the manager. But can Klopp be blamed for such tension?
Tribalfootball.com has been informed Sturridge has long been concerned about the lack of attention he's received from Klopp at Melwood. But in defence of the manager, is it worth investing the time needed to build an attacking structure around a player - no matter how talented - when week after week there's no guarantee he'll make it to matchday?
By rights, for a player of Sturridge's ability and experience, Klopp should be planning his team around the England man. But how can he when there's always a risk of Sturridge crying off?
And that's the crux of it. If Sturridge was prepared to play through injury. To go the extra mile. His manager would do the same for him. That extended run of games Sturridge has been telling friends is all that he needs would be granted by Klopp. The performances wouldn't have to be top drawer. The manager would work with the player - the committed player - to find a way back to his best form. Unfortunately, as it stands, this is the stuff of fantasy. A pipe dream.
And, with the summer transfer window edging ever closer, Sturridge must start asking himself - is this as good as it gets?
In thatBrendan Rodgers team. Alongside Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez. Sturridge had the world at his feet. The best of his generation. A future Ballon d'Or. This was no hyperbole. The lad had it all.
But today? He's on the brink. The best, at 27, could already be past him. In ten years' time, will Sturridge look back and regret not going the extra mile? You hope it won't get to that. You really do.
At 27, Sturridge's best years can still be ahead of him. But something has to change. His manager needs to see some sacrifice. As does the Kop.
For Daniel Sturridge. For Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge. Wednesday night could be a last chance. But it can also be a new beginning, he just needs to show how much he wants it.
