Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers fears injury will prevent Daniel Sturridge from reaching his potential.
Sturridge is currently recovering a calf problem sustained in training, having missed the whole of September with a thigh complaint he picked up while he was on international duty with England.
"He [Sturridge] won't become a top European striker until he plays consistently," said Rodgers.
"It doesn't matter about potential. You have to play. When Daniel comes back into the team, you will see the confidence because of the movement and the dynamic.
"But he isn't fit and he hasn't been for a long time. We just have to work without him and, while we are doing that stay up and around the top end of the table."
For the big stories and the banter follow us on Twitter: @tribalfootball