Liverpool’s Emre Can to remain in defence despite Lucas’ injury says Rodgers
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Emre will remain on the right side of Liverpool’s back three despite an injury to Lucas Leiva keeping him out for up to six weeks.
Lucas had to come off the field in the Merseyside derby against Everton due to a thigh injury. Scans have revealed a tear meaning the Brazilian midfielder faces a spell on the sidelines.
The 28-year-old could miss six Premier League games as well as the FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace and the Europa League clash with Besiktas.
However, Can will not be pushed into midfield and will remain in a settled back-line.
“Lucas has been very important for us but there will be an opportunity for someone else,” Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.
“Eventually, Can will be a player who plays further forwards and there might be games when I do think that but you also have to remember the balance of the team as well, which is very good at the moment.
“It’s four clean sheets in a row and defensively we have been very strong.
“With Emre you can see the importance of his role and the position he plays in there. He was immense at the weekend in a real physical game.
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Can was signed as a midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer but Rodgers has used him as a defender for much of the season.
The 21-year-old has one goal and one assist in 21 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions this season.
