Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have named their squads for the group stages of the Europa League, and it’s mixed news for a couple of big-name strikers.
Daniel Sturridge was included by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, suggesting the club are confident the England forward will return to fitness in time to feature against at least one of Rubin Kazan, Bordeaux and Sion.
Sturridge has been on the comeback trail for weeks, and this emphasises how close he is to a first-team return.
Meanwhile Spurs, who were drawn against Anderlecht, Monaco and Qarabag, have left out Emmanuel Adebayor.
The striker was linked with West Ham and Aston Villa on transfer deadline day but revealed God told him to stay at White Hart Lane.
His omission means Harry Kane is the only out-and-out stiker in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, though new signings Heung-Min Son and Clinton N’Jie could both feature in attacking roles.