Daniel Sturridge's preparations for Southampton trip hampered as betting investigation hearing continues

Daniel Sturridge is likely to be a notable absentee from the Liverpool squad in Southampton on Friday as his preparation has been hampered by the ongoing investigation into allegations he broke betting rules.

Sturridge has been absent from training for several days at Melwood in order to attend a personal hearing following the charges submitted by the Football Association.

An independent commission has been hearing the case this week, a ruling expected by the end of the month regarding claims relating to activities during the transfer window in January 2018.

Sturridge moved on loan to West Bromwich Albion and the charges are understood to be linked to bets made around that period. The FA sought answers for nine alleged breaches of their regulations.

The 29-year-old was not on Liverpool’s substitutes’ bench against Tottenham last weekend – Divock Origi instead preferred as the back-up striker – and with Sturridge dealing with his case, there are others in Jurgen Klopp’s squad with a more realistic chance of featuring at St Mary’s.

Sturridge has always protested his innocence and has fully co-operated with the investigation, including passing mobile phone records to the FA’s integrity unit.