Brendan Rodgers: 'Liverpool can't rely on Gerrard'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said that his side cannot rely on Steven Gerrard following their 0-0 draw against Sunderland on Saturday.

Gerrard was rested for the game, perhaps with one eye on Tuesday's must-win Champions League clash with Basel, and Liverpool struggled without their captain.

Raheem Sterling had a late penalty appeal turned down as Sunderland produced a good performance to earn themselves a Premier League point at Anfield.

Following the game, Rodgers told BBC Sport: "I can't have any complaints from the players. They're giving me everything. We can't solely rely on Steven. It can't be up to him."

The result left Liverpool ninth in the Premier League, three points adrift of the Champions League places.