In a surprising U-Turn, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has decided to keep Daniel Sturridge at the club and is ready to block his departure in the upcoming January transfer window.

The England striker has fallen out of favor with the Liverpool gaffer and was heavily linked with a move away from Anfield in January. The striker, who is currently nursing a calf injury, has grown frustrated at the club after starting just four league games this term and only one in the last two months. As a result, there were speculations all around he might quit Anfield in January to get regular action.

Liverpool’s Premier League rivals West Ham United were particularly interested in signing the striker after their poor start to the season but it seems they are not going to get their man in January. The Daily Mirror has reported the German tactician is not interested in selling the striker or any other player except defender Mamadou Sakho.

Well, Klopp’s decision to keep Sturridge at Anfield make a lot of sense. The Reds are set to face a striker shortage in January and Sturridge can play a vital role in helping the Reds maintain their title charge. Sadio Mane, who has been very impressive ever since arriving at the club this term, will be playing in Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal in January while Danny Ings has been ruled out of the season after suffering a knee ligament injury.

One of their main men, Philippe Coutinho, will also remain on the sidelines for around six weeks after being stretchered off with ankle ligament damage against Sunderland last week.

The Reds are currently sitting second in the Premier League table and with only three points separating the number one and number four teams, any slip up will prove costly. And with Klopp set to miss some key players in the coming weeks, Sturridge, a proven customer, might be instrumental to team’s success.