Former Everton striker Andy Gray has admitted that he is mystified by Liverpool's decision to leave Divock Origi on loan for a season after signing the Belgium international in the summer.

Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli are yet to score in the Premier League for the Reds this season, and a string of injuries to Daniel Sturridge have limited the England international to just three appearances.

Origi, who signed for around £10m, was immediately loaned back to Lille when he was brought to Anfield, and Gray has said that he is puzzled by the situation.

He told talkSPORT: "It's puzzling, there must be a reason why they can't change [the loan deal].

"It's an area where they have got real problems. Liverpool have got a centre forward that they own, playing abroad, who is the Belgium number nine and yet they have been unable to get him back.

"They have loaned him out thinking they are going to be alright and here they are with all this trouble with Daniel Sturridge. There are no real other centre forwards available and playing well. They have got another striker out there playing for another club. It's a strange situation."

Origi admitted last week that he wanted to join the Anfield side when the transfer window re-opens in January.