Liverpool Team News: Rodgers Confirms Key Man Among Those Who’ll Miss FC Sion Clash

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Daniel Sturridge is one of a number of first team players who will be rested against FC Sion tomorrow night.

The Reds entertain the Swiss champions at Anfield in their Europa League clash looking to build on a 1-1 draw away to Bordeaux on matchday one two weeks ago.

Rodgers has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon where he confirmed that Sturridge was among a whole host of players who he plans to rest ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby against Everton.

Sturridge has only recently returned to action after an injury-ravaged past 12 months and showed Liverpool what they’ve been missing with a superb brace against Aston Villa last weekend.

It seems Rodgers is planning to protect the striker after such a frustrating period of injury problems as the club look to get him back up to full fitness.

The Northern Irishman is quoted as saying by the Mirror:

“He won’t be involved in the game,”

“We’ll keep him fresh for the weekend. He’s still building his way towards fitness.”

Sturridge’s return has certainly given Liverpool a major boost so it’s no surprise that Rodgers is going to protect him by resting the striker for Europa League duty.

The England international is just one of a host of regulars that will be given a breather tomorrow night with Rodgers confirming to Liverpoolfc.com that he plans to field his fringe players and youngsters against FC Sion.

“Our approach to this game is how it’s been in the competition – this is an opportunity for young players and an opportunity for players on the fringe of the team that aren’t getting so many games.

“But it’s also going to require players that have been playing. Ultimately for us the aim is to win the game.

“We recognise that our home games in this competition are very important and we enter into it with that mindset. Then we can concentrate on the game on Sunday.”

Young midfielder Jordan Rossiter is expected to start while the likes of Adam Lallana, Joe Allen, Kolo Toure and Adam Bogdan could also feature.

Danny Ings has also been impressing while Christian Benteke has been on the sidelines in recent games so the former Burnley man is also likely to be given a rest meaning Divock Origi could lead the attack.

Liverpool will continue to be without the services of Dejan Lovren, Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino due to injury.