Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that defender Daniel Agger was rested for Liverpool's 1-0 win over FC Gomel this evening.

Agger's exclusion sparked rumours over his future, as his agent denied that the Denmark international was suffering from injury and seemed bemused as to why he wasn't in the squad.

However, Rodgers revealed that Agger's fitness levels were still lower than others in the squad as the centre-back joined pre-season late.

"The plan was always for Daniel to stay behind. Everyone knows his history of injuries, he came back to pre-season after everyone else and is still not up to speed," said Rodgers.

Liverpool will face Gomel in the second leg of their tie at Anfield in a week's time.

Written by
Barney Corkhill