However, he reported a problem with discomfort in a foot after training and was removed from the squad in order to be assessed by the medical team.

In almost three years at the club Sturridge has missed almost as many matches (68) as he has made appearances (70), with last season decimated by calf, thigh and hip problems which resulted in him having an operation in May.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has yet to field him in the nine matches he has had in charge since taking over from Brendan Rodgers – the closest the England international has got to the team was being named as a substitute for Saturday’s win at Manchester City.

“I don’t know too much about the situation because it was in the afternoon after training – not what I saw as we trained in two groups and I was with the starting line-up,” Klopp said.

“We had no time to think about it because it was really close to the game.

“At this moment we have to wait. I am not qualified [to say what the extent of the problem is].”

In Sturridge’ absence Christian Benteke, brought in over the summer for £32.5million by Rodgers who wanted a forward he could rely on for a whole season, furthered his chances with an impressive performance which saw him score one, have two disallowed and win the penalty.

Klopp was not even bothered by the mistake by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet - holding on to the ball for 22 seconds – which cost them the opening goal when Henri Saivet converted from the free-kick.

“The [Mignolet] free-kick.... I am long in this business and never had a time-play after 25 minutes from the team with more ball possession,” he added.

“We got the penalty – there was contact of course – but then we could start anew.

“We made the second goal, a brilliant goal, so I am fine. I am very happy to be qualified, the team is happy to be qualified, the club is happy to be qualified so you can be happy to be qualified if you want.

“We are top of the table, which is important but not the most important, so we will try everything when we travel to Sion in two weeks.”