Brendan Rodgers has revealed he may have to rest Liverpool duo Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen ahead of a congested Christmas schedule.
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The Reds suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Aston Villa at the weekend, and the boss believes it was, in part, due to fatigue.
Sterling, who just turned 18, has played 25 games for Liverpool this term, while new signing Joe Allen has competed in 23.
While the former has been in fantastic form, Rodgers is keen to avoid overplaying the youngster so early in his career.
"There is no doubt Raheem is one who does need that breather," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I've thought about it over the past couple of weeks. In order to do that you need to have that depth to take him out and put somebody else in.
"That's something I'm thinking about - who to put in. He's a naturally very, very fit boy but he needs that mental rest as well. That time will come and he will get the breather soon enough."
The Ulsterman also believes that new-boy Allen has become jaded in recent weeks.
"There is no doubt after working with Joe [Allen] and seeing him, he's another one. If we're honest, there are a few who could do with that breather, especially mentally. It's something for sure I need to have a wee look at."
Asked whether Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez would be rested as well, Rodgers dismissed the notion.
"I think there is an element of [fatigue] but not with Luis [Suarez]. He's at his best when he is playing regular," he said.
"He will tell you himself, if he was playing one game a week he would lose his rhythm - he likes to play lots of games. But I think there are others we need to give a break."
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