Hull vs. Liverpool: Brendan Rodgers Talks Daniel Sturridge, Boycott in Presser

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has suggested Daniel Sturridge won't feature again this season. He also backed the club's fans' decision to boycott the team's trip to face Hull City.

The Reds boss was speaking during his press conference prior to Tuesday's vital Premier League match at the KC Stadium. When asked about Sturridge's fitness, Rodgers indicated he will likely be without his most clinical striker until next season, per Tony Barrett of The Times:

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Rodgers confirmed he'll be looking to strengthen his attacking options in the summer, per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

Sturridge suffered a torn hip muscle during the March 22 loss to Manchester United, reported by John Cross of the Mirror. ESPN FC reports he will work through a specially tailored fitness regime to overcome the problem, but this injury is the latest in a long line of troubles for the striker. Various injuries have limited Sturridge to just 750 minutes of Premier League football this season, per WhoScored.com.

Sky Sports provided an update, per Audioboom:

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Liverpool fans are expected to boycott the team's visit to the KC Stadium in a protest over ticket prices. As reported by BBC News, the Spirit of Shankly group believes Hull are "monetising the fans' loyalty" by pricing tickets at £50 per person. On New Year's Day, Everton supporters paid just £35 to see their team face Steve Bruce's men.

Rodgers is behind the fans who want to cap ticket prices, per Barrett:

Liverpool were given a lifeline in the race for Champions League football by the least likely of sources on Sunday.

Local rivals Everton walloped Manchester United 3-0 at Goodison Park, meaning Rodgers' side will only be four points behind if they topple Hull. United would need to lose one and draw one from their final four games, presuming Liverpool win all theirs, to relinquish their place in Europe's elite competition.

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Rodgers is only concentrating on his own team's results, tweeted by Pearce:

He will be looking to players such as Philippe Coutinho and Jordon Ibe to provide attacking inspiration against Hull, two stars he was complimentary of in the build-up to the match:

Ibe remains in talks over a new contract, following on from Jordan Henderson's decision to commit his future to the club, reported by Pearce:

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Hull have a major role to play in the final standings at both ends of the table. Bruce's team are just one point outside the relegation zone but face Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley and United, as well as Liverpool, before the season ends. Saturday's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace was crucial as fans are likely to be severely downbeat over their run-in.

Liverpool need to turn up in ruthless style. Clawing back three points on United will add to the pressure felt at Old Trafford and perhaps begin to let doubt creep in. At this point, only results matter for both clubs.