Rodgers explains why he left Coutinho out of Liverpool team [divider]

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that he left Coutinho out of the team that will face Beşiktaş in the Europa League Round of 32 second-leg game because he needs time to recover.

Rodgers underlined that the Brazilian attacking midfielder was in need of a rest after playing 19 games straight for the Reds.

“I’ve had to leave out young Coutinho. He hasn’t travelled with us. He’s an outstanding young player for us, a key player and he’s played a lot of games consecutively for us,” Rodgers told the official Liverpool website.

“This was a game that I’d earmarked to give him some recovery in, knowing he can stay at home, not travel and prepare and get ready for the weekend.”

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The Brazilian attacking midfielder has four goals and five assists in all competitions for Liverpool this season.

Liverpool will also be without the injured Steven Gerrard, Lucas, Jordan Henderson, Sakho and Glen Johnson.

Lazar Markovic will also miss the game as he is serving the second match of his four-game European ban.

The return-leg against Beşiktaş will be played at the Atatürk Olympic stadium.