Brendan Rodgers, who saw his side run out 1-0 winners in their Premier League meeting at the beginning of the month, will be hoping his new vice-Captain will be available to make the trip after being withdrawn early in the second half of his side’s shock loss to Southampton at the weekend.
A number of injuries and fitness concerns have meant that Rodgers has had to juggle his squad, and with four centerhalves starting against the Saints on Saturday, the Northern Irishman isn’t taking any fitness concerns lightly. Agger, who missed out on last Monday’s draw with Swansea after injuring his side in a freak accident in the gym, will be assessed before Wednesday’s trip to Manchester. “He could be a doubt for that game as he has not quite recovered. We wanted to give him time at the weekend, but unfortunately he was struggling with his breathing because he got a knock to his ribs” explained Rodgers.
The Dane, who started the match against Southampton patterning Martin Skrtel in the heart of the Reds defense, was replaced by Jose Enrique just shy of the hour mark after former Lyon defender Dejan Lovern beat Agger to a corner to head home the eventual match winner. Injuries to Aly Cissokho, Glen Johnson and Philippe Coutinho, as well as ongoing fitness concerns for Joe Allen and Martin Kelly has meant that the Reds have been playing with a depleted squad – one that Rodgers isn’t keen to lose any more from. During the bosses press conference there were also questions about Jose Enrique, which the boss explained was a result of an “ongoing niggle” the defender has been carrying for a “few weeks”.
With the trip to Old Trafford on the horizon and a visit to the Stadium of Light coming up on Sunday, Rodgers decided some time on the bench might be best for the Spanish fullback. Despite the tapered training regime, the Reds manager insists he’s not a heavy concern. “He’s training and he’s fine. We just need to protect his load and the last thing we wanted to do was lose him.” With the players around him dropping like flies, the last thing we need is another body on the treatment table.
