Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen will need a rest, following a long run of games in the Liverpool first team. Rodgers cited fatigue as a factor in Liverpool’s 3-1 home defeat against Aston Villa on Saturday.
"This was a game where we had to get an early goal and make Villa come out. We had a wee bit of lethargy. I don't know why because it's one of the first weeks we've had without a midweek game, and we couldn't have had a better week.”
Rodgers went on to say he felt Sterling and Allen are two players in particular who were in need of a rest. Sterling has played 25 games for Liverpool this year, while Allen has played 23.
“There is no doubt Raheem is one who does need that breather. I’ve thought about it over the past couple of weeks. In order to do that you need to have that depth to take him out and put somebody else in.
“That’s something I’m thinking about — who to put in. He’s a naturally very, very fit boy but he needs that mental rest as well. For the kid, it’s about efficiency as well. Tactically he’s still very young; that time will come and he will get the breather soon enough.
“There is no doubt, after working with Joe and seeing him, he’s another one. If we’re honest, there are a few who could do with that breather, especially mentally. It’s something for sure I need to have a wee look at.”