Klopp backs injury-hit Sturridge to recover best form

London - Jurgen Klopp is confident Daniel Sturridge's numerous injury problems have not led to a permanent decline in the Liverpool forward's ability.

The 27-year-old striker has not scored for five games and, following Liverpool's EFL Cup semi-final loss to Southampton, former Reds defender Jamie Carragher suggested Sturridge had lost a significant amount of pace.

But Liverpool manager Klopp, speaking Friday, took a different view.

"I thought, after the Southampton game, from the physical side it was a really good game from Daniel Sturridge," said Klopp.

"He was really involved from the first second to the last second, and usually Daniel Sturridge scores twice, but he's a human being so he missed the chances.

"Of course, more injuries can have the effect that you lose, not the speed, but 100 percent trust in your body when sprinting," the German boss added.

"But it's not lost forever. Daniel is the best age for a football player so, if he can stay fit, everything will be fine."

Liverpool has won just one of its past seven matches in all competitions - an FA Cup replay against Plymouth - and that has given Saturday's fourth-round tie, at home to Championship side Wolves, added significance.

Last weekend's surprise loss at Anfield to Swansea left Liverpool 10 points behind Premier League leader Chelsea, but Klopp believes there is still time for the Reds to revive their season.

"Most of the things in football, when you have the quality we still have, then it's about getting the focus back on different things," he said.