Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge poised to miss Newcastle, Real Madrid and Chelsea games through injury

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge will miss what could prove to be a pivotal week for his club, manager Brendan Rodgers admitted on Wednesday.

Sturridge was ruled out for two to four weeks earlier this month with a calf problem having only just recovered from a thigh injury sustained on England duty. On Wednesday, Rodgers said the 25-year-old will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash against a rejuventaed Newcastle United side as well as the Champions League clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday and the visit of Premier League leaders Chelsea next weekend.

“I don’t think he will be fit,” said Rodgers about the three games. “We will work with him and hopefully we will get that bit of luck when he comes back. When he does come back hopefully we will have him for the rest of the season.

“With Daniel out, of course it is a miss, but it is also an opportunity, as we saw the other night. Fabio Borini was excellent, a real threat, and put in a wonderful cross for the [Mario Balotelli] goal. And Rickie Lambert, who hasn’t had many opportunities - his goals will come. He is working tirelessly every day, he had some nice touches and his goals will come.”