Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will resist the temptation to play striker Daniel Sturridge Tuesday night in the Clubs second-leg Capital One Cup tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge following the 1-1 draw at Anfield last week.
With the game in the balance it is tempting for Rodgers to play Sturridge ,but with the striker not having played a competitive game in five-months the Northern Irishman will resist the urge keeping him rested for the Weekends Premier League game with West Ham and Liverpool’s desire for a top-four finish to the season.
“I spoke to Dan the other day and he is very excited about how the team is playing,” Rodgers said.
“It is suited to his game. He would have fancied himself in this game to get some goals.
“There is no point him being out all this time. The other players have shown (enough) in this period, in the last seven weeks, so we wouldn’t risk him.
“He wants to be involved in the big games between now and the end of the season.
“This is a big game. But we just have to be realistic. We just have to be careful.
“If he feels fresh and he feels right to be involved in some part, then we will maybe look at it. But it is a big risk.”
All eyes will be watching Chelsea striker Diego Costa and Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson following their tunnel bust up at Anfield in the first-leg.
“It is important teams cannot bully us,” Henderson said.
“You have to be strong mentally and physically. We have shown recently we can be physical when we need to be.”
