He wasn't last season. He scored 21 league goals. Didn't hear you complaining then that he's injury prone.
Sturridge has had extended periods of injuries since being at the club. This season's is the longest but his injury record has been poor since arriving. Since the end of that season I've been saying we needed cover for him.
Last Summer was different. When Suarez signed his new contract it suggested he had one eye on the door as the buyout clause was clearly defined so a repeat of the Arsenal fiasco couldn't occur. At that point and with a transfer window looming, we still needed cover for Sturridge's injuries and if we were sensible and prepared, start thinking about Luis' possible departure.
At the start of the Summer window we
still needed cover for Sturridge (maybe that's where Remy came in) and a replacement for Suarez. Our response to all that? A panic buy in Balotelli, that made the manager look a bit daft considering his statement on Balotelli shortly before.
And where are we now?
Sturridge's injury record:
Season: Injury: From: To: Duration: Games missed: Club:
14/15 Apr 8, 2015 Apr 25, 2015 17 days 4 Liverpool FC
14/15 Hamstring Injury Nov 18, 2014 Jan 28, 2015 71 days 18 Liverpool FC
14/15 Thigh Muscle Strain Sep 5, 2014 Oct 3, 2014 28 days 6 Liverpool FC
13/14 Sprained Ankle Dec 1, 2013 Jan 9, 2014 39 days 9 Liverpool FC
13/14 Torn Ankle Ligament Nov 27, 2013 Jan 9, 2014 43 days 9 Liverpool FC
12/13 Groin strain Feb 3, 2013 Feb 14, 2013 11 days 3 Liverpool FC
12/13 Hamstring Injury Nov 17, 2012 Dec 23, 2012 36 days 11 Chelsea
*Info c & p'ed from Transfermarkt, apologies for the poor layout ** Games missed are only league games
He was injured just before we signed him and injured just after. 60 league games missed from November 17 2012 to the present. 60 league games in less than 2.5 years.