West Bromwich Albion manager Alan Pardew has hinted that Daniel Sturridge could participate for the Baggies during this weekend’s Premier League outing versus Burnley. The West Midlands outfit are currently staring at relegation with a 10-point gap to safety, and the upcoming home game against Burnley is a must-win if they are to salvage any hopes of beating the drop.

Speaking in a press-conference, an under-fire Pardew said: “For a long time this team has struggled to score goals from open play. I brought Daniel in to correct that and he’s only played three games. We’re hoping Daniel gets fit and becomes a real asset to us. Trust me, I care. And I want this team to win. And I think my players care, my senior players care. We’ve got to keep fighting to the last moment and squeeze something out of the games.”

Sturridge joined the Baggies on a short-term loan from Liverpool in January with a view to bettering his England hopes. However, his switch has turned into more of a nightmare with just 77 minutes of first-team action to date. His previous start came nearly six weeks ago against Chelsea, and it was one to forget as he lasted for just 200 seconds before pulling up with a hamstring injury, which has been sidelined him till now.

Sturridge’s return to the lineup may not necessarily lead to an instant impact in the form of goals, but Pardew will hope that the marksman can contribute in some form upfront with the club’s players running out of ideas. The Baggies suffered the disappointment of losing out 2-1 to Bournemouthin the final 13 minutes of the game, earlier this month, and they need to avoid another lapse of that sort to maintain a glimmer of hope of preserving their top-flight status.