Despite traveling to Madrid with the team, Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is unlikely to take to the field in the UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid.
The England international has been sidelined due to injury since the end of August.
Rumors spread when Sturridge joined the squad traveling to Spain that he could make an appearance in the match at Santiago Bernabeu this evening, but Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says his return is highly unlikely.
"There is a very slim chance that Sturridge will be ready for the match," said the coach. "I'm just taking all the players to Madrid."
"This match, along with this weekend's match against Chelsea in the Premier League, is very important to us. It shows that we stick together."
After the first round of group stage matches, Liverpool has earned three points and shares second to fourth place with Basel and Ludogorets. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, having defeated all of their opponents, leads the group.
Rodgers also expressed his belief that reaching the quarterfinals is an achievable goal. According to him, the team eagerly awaits the most important matches.
