Getting Liverpool back into the Champions League is a priority for Rodgers.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has bemoaned the schedule ahead for his side over the next few days.
The Reds face Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday lunchtime off the back of an away trip to Besiktas on Thursday night.
Rodgers has left some first team players at home, such as Philippe Coutinho, Glen Johnson and Mamadou Sakho.
SEE MORE:
Liverpool FC news
Liverpool starlet Jordan Ibe set for shock senior England national team call-up
Nine contract rebels clubs will be desperate to keep, including Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling, Arsenal forward & Chelsea duo
“It’s not ideal, especially with the early kick-off,” Rodgers told reporters (via the Express)
“I’ve had to bring out young Coutinho. He hasn’t travelled. He’s an outstanding young player for us, a key player for us and he has played a lot of games consecutively for us now.
“This was a game that I’d earmarked to give him some recovery in knowing he can stay at home, not travel and prepare and get ready for the weekend.
“That extra period of 48 hours that they (City) will have could be crucial, certainly physically. It’ll be 3am when we get back, the players will probably get home about 4:30am. Then we’ll aim to train and recover later that day.”
Balancing the two competitions has been a challenge in the past for Liverpool and with two avenues to get into next seasons Champions League, Rodgers may have to do exactly that.
COMMENTS