Daniel Sturridge's move to Perth Glory was meant to reignite his career but he's struggled to catch a break since landing in Australia.
After being forced into 14 days of hotel quarantine upon his arrival in Western Australia, Sturridge managed to play just nine minutes of A-League Men's football before being plunged back into isolation.
On the cusp of full fitness, the 32-year-old was forced to quarantine for a further 14 days alongside the entire Glory team in December after a player tested positive for COVID-19 in Queensland.
Perth would go 42 days without playing a game and only returned to action last week with Sturridge featuring for 28 minutes in a 2-1 win over Sydney FC.
With the Englishman closing in on his first start in the A-League Men this week, Sturridge has once again been forced into quarantine after testing positive for COVID.
"3rd quarantine in 3 months. Been ducking and dodging it but it got a hold of me dawg so It’s R and R time," Sturridge posted on Twitter on Tuesday night.
"I'll be back on the pitch again when I’m fully recovered. So annoyed right now but it is what it is. Have a blessed day my people."
3rd quarantine in 3 months 😒. Been ducking and dodging it but it got a hold of me dawg so It’s R and R time. Ill be back on the pitch again when I’m fully recovered. So annoyed right now but it is what it is. Have a blessed day my people ❤️🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/5GDEsJYYWH
— Daniel Sturridge (@DanielSturridge) January 25, 2022
Glory's match against Macarthur FC on Wednesday afternoon had been called off on Tuesday with Perth reporting a number of positive COVID cases.
Prior to the outbreak, coach Richard Garcia did hint that Sturridge was a chance of starting the match as the club looked to inch him towards full fitness.
“We want to build (Sturridge) up on Wednesday again but whether that means a start or not is another thing,” he said.
"Very pleased with his input. Not only on the park but off the park as well. He’s been a good member of the squad and a great guy to have around."
Currently based in Sydney, Sturridge will now have to self-isolate for at least seven days before returning to team training.
Perth are next scheduled to face Melbourne City on February 6 with the club sitting eighth in the A-League Men but with games in hand on some teams above them on the ladder.