Steven Gerrard says Liverpool cannot afford to lose Daniel Sturridge in the January transfer window and has backed the England international to improve despite another frustrating performance on Wednesday night.
Sturridge has struggled to produce his best form for the Reds this season and has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield under Jurgen Klopp.
The 27-year-old was handed a rare start against Plymouth Argyle in an FA Cup third round replay on Wednesday. However, he failed to impress and was substituted by Klopp midway through the second half.
Sturridge appeared unhappy to be taken off with the match finely poised at 1-0 and Gerrard admits he feels some sympathy for his former team-mate.