Rodgers on road to recovery

31 December 2012 17:47

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers expects to be back in the dug-out to face Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday after being struck down by illness.

The Reds boss, head of performance Glen Driscoll and back-up goalkeeper Brad Jones all missed Sunday's win at QPR, while midfielder Jordan Henderson played an hour despite being sick the previous night.

The club are confident they have reduced the chances of other players being affected and Press Association Sport understands Rodgers is likely to be back at the helm on Wednesday.

Even assistant manager Colin Pascoe, who took charge in Rodgers' absence, was prevented from going into the dressing room at half-time by medical staff as he was also ill - although not with the same problem which laid low the others.

Most of the team who were involved at Loftus Road were given a day off on Monday and all media activity ahead of the midweek game was cancelled as the club tried to keep the Melwood training ground off-limits to prevent further cross-infection.

Henderson returned to the starting line-up for a league match for the first time in a month and admitted he was not prepared to give up his chance just because of illness.

"I was close to not playing. I had a bad stomach and was sick on Saturday night, which is unusual for me," he said.

"I caught the bug a few people and the boss got, but I love playing football and I want to play every chance I get for this club.

"There's a lot of competition for places, so when you are given the opportunity you can't let anything get in the way. So I was pleased to be able to play."

Although the transfer window opens on January 1, Liverpool will not make any announcements about new signings until prior to Wednesday's match. A deal for Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge has virtually been completed but it may not be formally concluded until later in the week.

Source: PA