Daniel Sturridge's chances of becoming a top European striker are being threatened his injury problems, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said.
Sturridge has scored 32 goals in 46 appearances for the Reds since his 12 million-pound move from Chelsea in January 2013, but has not played for them since the end of August.
The 25-year-old suffered a thigh injury while on England duty in early September, and was then hit by a calf problem in training on Oct. 16 just as he was getting close to a comeback.
In his absence, Liverpool have struggled for form, winning two out of six Premier League matches, while Mario Balotelli has looked out-of-sorts as his replacement in the central striking role.
Sturridge is likely to be out of action until mid-November -- a concern for Rodgers.
The Anfield coach told the Daily Express: "He won't become a top European striker until he plays consistently. It doesn't matter about potential -- you have to play.
"When Daniel comes back into the team, you will see the confidence because of the movement and the dynamic.
"But he isn't fit and he hasn't been for a long time. We just have to work without him and, while we are doing that, stay up and around the top end of the table."
Balotelli has scored only once in 11 games since his 16 million-pound move to Anfield from AC Milan in August, and had another frustrating afternoon on Saturday as Liverpool were held 0-0 at home by Hull in the Premier League.
The Italy international is set to make way for Rickie Lambert when the Reds host Swansea in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday, although that change has been driven by Rodgers' desire to rotate his squad after he had done the same in the last round against Middlesbrough.
The manager added: "Rickie knew the role when he was coming into the club.
"But as a striker, you want that opportunity. I have said to him that when he has the chance he has to grab it and be effective."