Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers explained the omission of defender Daniel Agger from their trip to Belarus for the Europa League qualifier on Thursday night.
Agger’s agent Per Steffensen had said earlier on Thursday “Only the club and the manager can answer to why he is not in the squad.”
Rodgers explained though that Agger was never intended to travel with the squad, due to his history with injury problems.
“The plan was always for Daniel to stay behind. Everyone knows his history of injuries, he came back to pre-season after everyone else and is still not up to speed,” explained the Reds boss.
Although, Agger returned to training before Gerrard, Downing, Henderson, Kelly and Borini who were all involved in Belarus.
The Danish defender is reportedly a target for Barcelona this summer, but his agent said “The reports of Agger handing in a transfer request are purely nonsense. He is very happy at Liverpool.”
Agger has two years remaining on his current contract and is expected to open talks on an extension this year. Steffenson said though “We have not heard from Liverpool with regards to a contract extension.”
Agger has started 41% of LFC’s games in the last five seasons (112 of 274).
Sky Sports reported on Thursday that Liverpool had rejected two bids from Champions Man City for the Dane.
Quotes via Tony Barrett.
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