Michael Owen wants clarity over Daniel Sturridge injury issues
Michael Owen has urged his former club Liverpool to be open about Daniel Sturridge's continued fitness concerns in a bid to dispel "unfair" rumours surrounding the striker.
Sturridge's failed attempts to get match fit have sparked debate in the media over his commitment, relationships with the Melwood medical team, and future.
Owen believes it's time for honesty from Anfield.
"I wish we knew a bit more," Owen told the Daily Mail. "We all get texts on our phones saying Sturridge has done this or that, but it is all people guessing. I find it hard to have a view until we find out what’s wrong. The club have not really said. Until we know exactly what problems he has had or has got, it is fuelling a lot of rumours."
Owen had his own injury issues in a playing career that saw stints at Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Stoke City, so he can empathise with Sturridge's plight.
"People are saying things that are potentially unfair. I have been injured before and if he is getting muscle injuries then I have every sympathy because they are debilitating," he said. "You cannot play on with muscle injuries, they just tear, tear, and tear until they erupt. It is the worst thing ever.
"However, if he has joint pain - an ankle, a knee, and a hip - it can be manageable. It is all about pain thresholds. We have not really been given the information so I do wince a little bit when I see people having a real go."
Sturridge was among the 40-plus throng meeting with Roy Hodgson to discuss England's plans for Euro 2016 on Thursday, and Owen is sure that if the 26-year-old proves his fitness, he could be a valuable member of the squad this summer.
"He is running out of time and with a dozen games left, if he got injured between now and the end of the season, you would have to say it is not going to happen," Owen said.
"If he gets fit, he could be the fly in the ointment in terms of (Wayne) Rooney, (Jamie) Vardy, and (Harry) Kane. He has a lot of class and would shoot right back into the reckoning."
A decision has yet to be made on Sturridge's availability for Sunday's trip to Aston Villa.