Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen “need resting”

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed he believes Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen are two key players that need to be rested over the festive period.

Raheem Sterling

Sterling and Allen have both been permanent fixtures in the Reds’ starting line-up this season, but the pressure of many Premier League games as well as a Europa League campaign is starting to take it’s tole on the pair, according to Rodgers.

Speaking to the club’s official website after Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, Rodgers said, “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.”

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