Rodgers bemoans Sturridge & Suarez’s disrupted derby preparations

The pair both featured for their countries this week, even though the England ace was carrying a knock and Uruguay had little need for their fiery forward against Jordan

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has criticised the over-use of strike duo Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez by their respective countries, revealing that he is sweating on the availability of both for the Merseyside derby as a consequence.

The pair returned from the international break in less than perfect condition, with Sturridge playing 90 minutes for England despite failing to train due to a dead leg, while Suarez played 170 minutes of Uruguay’s World Cup play-off against Jordan – even though the South Americans triumphed 5-0 in the first leg.

Rodgers was disappointed to see Sturridge, who also has a thigh problem, play the entirety of the Three Lions’ 1-0 defeat to Germany and now doubts the 24-year-old will be able to go the distance against Everton.

“I was not overly surprised he played the full 90 minutes,” the Reds boss told reporters. “But it’s not ideal if you haven’t trained.

“When you see Daniel – and I have worked with him for a number of months – I know when he’s at his best. That’s when he has been training regularly and playing games.

“Sometimes managers are led by players. Sometimes they want to play 90 minutes and that is something we will consider. He is back recovering and we will see where he is.”

Suarez, meanwhile, took part in Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Jordan in Montevideo on Wednesday and only arrived back in England late on Thursday night.

“It was strange considering a lot of players were probably playing in Europe,” Rodgers said of the striker’s belated arrival in Liverpool.

“To have to go there was not ideal but we have seen it with Suarez before. Luckily, we have a player who’s robust and we have taken every measure to get him back as quickly as we can.”

Liverpool’s derby showdown with Everton is scheduled to kick off at 13:45CET on Saturday.

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