Sturridge has struggled to break into Jurgen Klopp’s favoured starting XI this season with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane the most often picked trio.
Sturridge came off the bench for Liverpool in midweek and missed a host of chances in their 1-1 draw with Spartak Moscow.
But Klopp still opted to give the England international a start at St James’ Park and reckons it is time to let him ‘off the leash’.
“It’s time, it’s Daniel’s time,” said Klopp.
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Daniel Sturridge was handed a rare start by Jurgen Klopp
“He did well in the training sessions and he had a big impact in the [Leicester] game when he came on.
“Now it’s time to let him off the leash from the beginning.”
Earlier this week, Klopp hinted Liverpool didn’t sign Romelu Lukaku because they had Sturridge.
He said: “We have Daniel Sturridge. We all know about his potential. Now he’s fit, so hopefully we can use it.
“And we have Dom Solanke: for sure the biggest English talent in the number nine position. That’s a fantastic situation.”
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