Rodgers ready to drop Gerrard against Real Madrid

Brendan Rodgers might leave captain Steven Gerrard out of the team to face Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
The Liverpool boss gave this hint on Monday night in his press conference ahead of the clash, admitting that he might give this weekend’s league game against Chelsea more priority.

Rodgers is also aware that a decision to name a weakened side against Madrid might backfire, but he is ready to make tough calls as his squad prepares to play two big games in four days.

“I don’t see it as a gamble. This week and these games against the likes of Real Madrid I see as a great opportunity for the squad – you put them out there and you put your trust in them to perform,” he insisted.
“In Steven’s case, if he is playing on Saturday I have to look at what is the priority for him and us. If he played against Newcastle and didn’t play tomorrow night you could say that was the priority.
“Him and I have spoken about that. Three big games, Newcastle, Madrid and then Chelsea. I need to look at a number of players to look at the games we want them to play in.

“But I have also got to look at (the fact) we brought in other players. And there is responsibility. But there is no doubt that our priorities are the Premier League and the Champions League, and always in that order.”