Reds to assess Benteke fitness ahead of derby clash
Liverpool will check on the fitness of Christian Benteke ahead of Sunday's clash with Everton, but Daniel Sturridge will return for the Goodison Park encounter.
Benteke has missed the Reds’ last three matches with a hamstring injury sustained during the 1-1 draw with Norwich City on September 20.
However, the Belgium striker’s condition will be assessed at Melwood to determine whether he can figure in the Merseyside derby.
Rodgers told his pre-match press conference: “There’s no real change [to our squad]. We obviously had one or two knocks last night.
“We’re seeing how Christian Benteke is over the course of the next 24 hours. Apart from that, the squad will be pretty much the same as the Aston Villa game.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool will welcome Sturridge back into the squad after he was rested for the Europa League tie with FC Sion on Thursday evening.
“It’s just about managing Daniel’s fitness,” said Rodgers. “He’s been out for a real long time, he’s come back early through the work and the effort he’s put in and with so many games, we just have to make sure we look after him.
“He’s still looking to get to full match fitness. There’ll come a point where he will be available to play in all of the games, or certainly be available for them.
“He’s fresh and fit and looking forward to the game this weekend.”