Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed that Daniel Sturridge was eager to play on Saturday against Sunderland, but two first-half injuries prevented him from coming off the bench.
The England international, who has made just six appearances this season because of various injuries, has not played since December.
The 26-year-old, who is rumoured to be considering his future at Anfield, was named among the substitutes for Saturday's 2-2 draw against Sunderland.
"He was impressive the last [training] session on Friday night so we thought if there was a chance for 10 or 15 minutes [playing on Saturday] we should try it," Klopp told reporters.
"We spoke to him and he said he'd like to but then the game had a different story and there was no possibility with two early changes."
Sturridge could play a part in Tuesday's FA Cup fourth-round replay against West Ham United at Upton Park.
