West Brom boss Alan Pardew defends disastrous Daniel Sturridge loan

Sturridge has played just 77 minutes since his arrival in January, but the Baggies have paid Liverpool a £2million loan fee and are stumping up £120,000-a-week for his wages.

His return from a hamstring injury picked up three minutes into the game at Stamford Bridge has been pushed back time and time again, and on Friday, Pardew admitted that he may not even make the home game against Swansea next weekend.

Sturridge’s signing has swiftly turned into a farce, and there’s now a chance he won’t feature before the Baggies are relegated.

But Pardew defended the gamble by claiming every acquisition in the January transfer window is a risk.

“You’ve got to understand about the strikers that became available in that window,” he said.

“One of the strikers that we were very interested in, which was a buy, he hasn’t played either. It’s that kind of window when you’re taking gambles.

“That’s why Premier League clubs are releasing players in this window, because they’ve got an injury record or they’re not in good form.

“Unfortunately for Daniel a hamstring is a serious injury and he’s probably on track with a hamstring injury.

“We can’t accelerate that process. It is what it is. He’s been committed to the club in his work and everything he’s done and I hope we see him on the pitch.

“He’s one of the few players in this group who can get a goal from nothing.

“You can not play well and still win or not control a game and still win, so he’s been a serious loss for the team.”

Sturridge’s injury has limited Pardew’s options up front but he has been pleased with Salomon Rondon and Jay Rodriguez’s contributions this season.

Pardew is a huge fan of the Venezuelan No.9, and claims he is one of the best targetmen he’s ever worked with.

Even though he dropped top scorer Rodriguez for Sturridge when the Liverpool loanee was fit, he praised the former Southampton striker's versatility.

“I thought Jay was excellent at Bournemouth last weekend,” said Pardew. “He’s been excellent in a few games for us, and he’ll certainly start this weekend.

“The way I like to play is with a reference point at the top of the pitch which is why I side with Salomon in that role more than Jay or Hal (Robson-Kanu).

"He’s as good a reference point as I’ve managed. In every moment, in training and games, he’s fought like hell.

"He’s one of the few players I can look in the eye and say he’s given me everything.”

But there are other members of the squad he’s not been pleased with.

“There are times I’ve been disappointed with some performances and I’ve said that to some players personally so I have no problem saying it to you guys,” said Pardew.

“It is what it is and you just have to face them and say there have been a lot of times this season when we’ve just not been good enough.”

Sturridge isn’t the only player set to miss today’s clash with Burnley.

Sam Field picked up a groin strain playing for England under-20s during the international break, while James Morrison remains sidelined.

Gareth Barry (knee) and Nacer Chadli (hip) are also missing today’s match but like Field, are expected to be back for the following weekend’s game with Swansea.