Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Daniel Sturridge will be sidelined until September while recovering from hip surgery.
The striker underwent an operation in America earlier this week after struggling with an ongoing problem.
The manager also confirmed that Mamadou Sakho will miss this weekend's match against Chelsea, but that Mario Balotelli could be fit enough to return.
Read what else Rodgers discussed below.
Good morning! Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will be speaking to the media shortly as he prepares his side for a trip to Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend. The Reds will be providing a guard of honour on their visit to Stamford Bridge for the newly-crowned champions.
There will be plenty for Rodgers to talk about this morning. Daniel Sturridge has been in America undergoing hip surgery, which it's reported will keep him out of the first two months of next season, while Memphis Depay's move to Man Utd could also be up for discussion, with Liverpool having also been linked to the Dutchman.
Rodgers will surely also face questions about the "Rodgers Out. Rafa In" banner that was flown over Anfield prior to kickoff in last week's 2-1 win over QPR. That result was far from convincing, but the three points keep Liverpool in the hunt for a top-four space.
© Getty Images
© Getty Images
Liverpool have a tricky final few weeks to the season, with matches against sides that have caused problems for the Reds in recent seasons still to come after this outing. Rodgers will finish the season with fixtures against Crystal Palace and Stoke City, both of which have proved difficult to beat when facing Liverpool over the last couple of years.
Don't forget, you can join us for coverage of this match and every other Premier League fixture taking place this weekend from an hour before kickoff to get all the team news, managerial reaction, player ratings and loads more, so make sure you're with us on Sunday to see if Liverpool can secure just their second win in four outings.
It's been a mixed season for goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, having lost his place in the starting lineup before Christmas, only to come back in and help the side to their longest unbeaten run of the season. The Belgian wants to keep clean sheets for the rest of the campaign:
Mignolet: "There is still a big incentive until end of the season to try and get the most clean sheets." #LFC pic.twitter.com/S5H3X372DM
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 7, 2015
Right then, the manager is ready to speak to the media, so let's see what's on his mind this week...
First up, it's Daniel Sturridge's surgery, and the manager confirms: "We anticipate Daniel will be back in training around September time. We're hopeful issues he's had have been resolved."
Rodgers is asked about the Memphis Depay transfer, but the manager insists that he was never interested: "It wasn't something we were ever interested in. We already have four wingers at the club, we have other priorities."
Looking ahead to this weekend's match, Rodgers says: "All we can do is look to win our last three games and see where it takes us. If Chelsea have had a few days off, they deserve it. Whatever team they put out, they will be looking to win. We know it will be a tough challenge for us."
Rodgers is asked about Mourinho, who he is a former assistant of, and he says: "I've congratulated him, they were the deserved champions, but that doesn't take away from what we're looking to do. We are looking to finish the season strong."
Looking ahead to this summer's transfer window, Rodgers tells reporters: "Young Divock [Origi, currently on loan with Lille] coming in will be a great asset for us. We will see what the summer brings."
On the race for a place in the top four, Rodgers insists: "We're four points behind and we have to do everything we can. The players are very motivated, they are a wonderful bunch to work with. It's been a tough season and the team is committed to moving the club forward."
Rodgers is asked for more details about Sturridge, responding: "I think with Daniel it has been ongoing. He has had a number of issues that aren't related to the operation, but hopefully this can cure of a lot of the problems he's had. He's been a big miss for us, but once he's fully fit he can be a key player."
Sticking with Sturridge, he adds: "Obviously he's looking at getting into training around then, and it's about regaining your football fitness, which takes a bit of time. We've had great support from our owners."
Rodgers is asked about Chelsea's success this season, and he says: "It doesn't puzzle me, you only need to look at Chelsea in the last 10 years. They've been the most successful club in the country. We're at a totally different stage and they've had something in place for the last 10 years."
Turning his attention to his squad's availability for this match, Rodgers confirms that Mamadou Sakho is still out, but that Mario Balotelli could return, having trained for the last few days.
Well, that's all from Rodgers for now. If you want to hear what Mourinho has to say ahead of this match, then join us again at around 2pm for coverage of his press conference. Until then, thanks for joining me this morning. Goodbye.
Written by
Sian Cowper
Sian Cowper
