Brendan Rodgers explains Raheem Sterling absence

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has explained his decision to leave Raheem Sterling out of the side to face Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Reds manager has instead handed Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana their full debuts at Anfield.

"We've got some very, very good players here and he has come off the back of two tough international games and working very hard," Rodgers told Sky Sports News.

"Obviously, I've got to plan for the games going forward so, as I said, he is a 19-year-old boy and he is a wonderful talent.

"Whether he is playing or on the bench, he'll make a good impact for us."

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