Jurgen Klopp: 'Daniel Sturridge has key role to play for Liverpool this season'

Jurgen Klopp has claimed that Daniel Sturridge will have a crucial role to play for Liverpool this season.

The 28-year-old has impressed on the Reds' three-match tour of the United States and came off the bench to score in the club's 4-1 win over Manchester United in Michigan on Saturday night.

Sturridge has started just 23 Premier League games in the last three seasons due to injury, but Klopp is determined to do everything he can to keep the Englishman fit.

"Daniel is an outstanding player," the German told BBC Sport. "If he is fit, he will play a role in the team. I am completely open to individualising training.

"When I came here I was very excited about the fact I would be working together with him. Since then he has had a few injury issues.

"Does he have to play 50-something games? No. But hopefully he will play a few really good ones. That is the plan."

Sturridge has one year remaining on his Liverpool contract.