LIVERPOOL have suffered a slump since Sadio Mane jetted off to the Africa Cup of Nations
And Ian Wright reckons Daniel Sturridge is incapable of stepping into the Senegal star's shoes.
The Reds were tipped for Premier League title glory following a staggering start to the season.
But their challenge has been derailed this month and they are now 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.
Speaking to The Sun, Wright has identified where he thinks things are going wrong for Jurgen Klopp's team.
The Arsenal legend said: "Mane is a massive miss because he gives them that drive past the back four.
"Daniel Sturridge doesn't do that. He's not getting past the back four and breaking the lines. Liverpool have lost that.
"People might not like Daniel's body language or that he's maybe not working as hard as he should be to try and cement a place in the team.
"He's missing some very good chances."
Liverpool return to Premier League action when they play host to Chelsea next Tuesday.
First up for Klopp's men though is tomorrow's FA Cup showdown with Wolves.