Sturridge Injury Just What Balotelli Needs
Everyone connected at Liverpool are disappointed with the news that Daniel Sturridge has been injured on international duty but his absence could be just what new signing Mario Balotelli needs to kick-off his career at Anfield.
Surridge is now Liverpool’s main striker after Luis Suarez left for Barcelona in the summer, but the England international isn’t as resilient as the Uruguayan and has been plagued with injuries since joining Liverpool but his latest injury gives others a chance to step up to the plate and it presents a great chance for Balotelli to make his mark at Anfield.
Brendan Rodgers has options with Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini as other recognised strikers and he may also play with a lone striker with Sturridge’s absence.
Rodgers played with Balotelli and Sturridge up front in the 3-0 win over Spurs last weekend and he will probably play two up front again next week against Aston Villa but with all eyes on Balotelli I expect him to relish the opportunity to be Liverpool’s main striker in Sturridge’s absence.
Rodgers has been clever in taking a gamble on Balotelli after losing Suarez and he knew he needed to sign a top class striker because of Sturridge’s injury record.
The stage is set for Balotelli next week and there is no better man to thrive on this opportunity and responsibility.
The Kopite View 
In addition to signing Balotelli, Rodgers should have also signed an additional quality striker. Borini has proved incapable as a quality striker and it seems that this would also be the same scenario with Ricky Lambert. Rodgers knows distinctly well that Sturridge is very injury prone, so his priority should have been to sign good strikers during the past transfer window. His reluctance to do so will be a major stumbling block in Liverpool doing well this season because they are still challenging in all domestic cups, the Premier League as well as Champions League. I just hope that the damage is not already done to Liverpool by the time Rodgers realises its time to bring in additional quality strikers. He should make use of all the money got from the Suarez sale.