Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that Daniel Sturridge will never become one of the greatest players in Europe until he has a consistent run of games without injuries.

This season, the England international has spent seven weeks on the sidelines with a thigh problem, and is now nursing a calf injury, which is expected to keep him out until November.

Sturridge was one of the standout players in Liverpool's Premier League title charge last season having scored 21 goals alongside Luis Suarez, who netted 31.

"[Sturridge] won't become a top European striker until he plays consistently," The Express quotes Rodgers as saying.

"It doesn't matter about potential. You have to play. When Daniel comes back into the team, you will see the confidence because of the movement and the dynamic, but he isn't fit and he hasn't been for a long time."

Liverpool are currently seventh in the league table after nine games.