Michael Owen comments on Daniel Sturridge’s Liverpool disappointment

Michael Owen has claimed that Jurgen Klopp’s decision not to start Daniel Sturridge for Liverpool’s clash with Villarreal will “leave a scar”.

The England forward was left as an unused substitute in Spain as the Reds slumped to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final clash.

Sturridge has struggled for form and fitness this season and has had to recently contend with speculation linking him with a transfer away from Anfield in the summer.

And former Liverpool striker Owen admits that Klopp’s decision not to use the forward will have hurt him after Thursday’s European defeat.

Speaking on BT Sport after Liverpool’s loss to Villarreal on Thursday night, Owen said: “It leaves a scar.

“Strikers are a selfish breed and he’ll be very disappointed.

“As a centre-forward you feel you can change games. Klopp has done it from a tactical point of view but there will have been a double disappointment when Benteke comes on.”

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Sturridge will now be hoping to be involved when Liverpool return to Premier League action with a trip to the Liberty Stadium to take on Swansea City on Sunday afternoon.

Klopp’s men squandered a two-goal lead as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Newcastle last weekend.