Daniel Sturridge finds focus in the United States

Saturday 02 May 2015
Daniel Sturridge is in America recovering from a hip injury

Daniel Sturridge has revealed he is hopeful a change of scenery will help him overcome his persistent injury problems.

The Liverpool and England striker has travelled to America for a second time to see specialist Dr Peter Asnis after thigh, calf and hip injuries have reduced him to just 18 appearances so far this season.

"I like America, the way of thinking is different," he told the Times.

"When you're injured it's important to have a different mentality. You have to channel yourself that you're not a football player, that you could be a boxer or a tennis player or whatever it may be.

Daniel Sturridge has not featured for England since September 2014

"You have to have a single-minded mentality to get back in the best shape possible. When you're injured it's important to have that type of mentality.

"That's why being out here, I'm single-minded, zoning in on what I have to do and it's great to be here.”

The England international spent some time in Los Angeles in early December as he rehabilitated from a thigh injury.

“We have to do everything we can to get him on the training field and into the game”

Brendan Rodgers on Daniel Sturridge

Sturridge's persistent problems have led some to question whether there may be a mental issue at the root of his struggles, but the former Chelsea man is adamant that is not the case.

"People can think what they want to think about me but I definitely know I do not have a mental issue," he added.

"I find it funny, I take it with a pinch of salt."

Asked whether part of Sturridge's problems were mental, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said: "I'm not sure. Daniel is like every other player - he wants to play and be available.

"It is just unfortunate for him.

“If you look at his career he's had little issues along the way but when we brought him here we knew we wanted to give him every chance to be one of the top goalscorers in Europe.

"We have to do everything we can to get him on the training field and into the game, hence the reason for looking into the issue."

By Jamie Reid Senior Writer