Brendan Rodgers admits he will be relying on the goal-getting talents of Luis Suarez to salvage Liverpool's Europe League hopes when they face Zenit St Petersburg on Thursday.
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The Reds welcome the Russian club to Anfield for the second-leg of their last-32 encounter, with the visitors leading 2-0 from the opening tie.
The Merseysiders will be without inspirational January signing Daniel Sturridge, who is cup-tied, while fellow frontman Fabio Borini is a long-term absentee after dislocating his shoulder in the 5-0 win over Swansea last time out.
Suarez was also brought off in the closing stages of that game, and although the Uruguay international was less than pleased to be substituted, Rodgers felt he had to keep the forward fresh, with this week's European clash at the forefront of this thoughts.
Rodgers said: "(Suarez) is a real warrior of spirit, and he is a winner.
"He didn't want to come off. He wanted to stay on and get more goals.
"I've obviously got to think of the bigger picture.
"He is going to be very important for us (against Zenit). Giving him that little breather - at the time it is difficult for him to accept because he wanted to play - but he is a critical player for us."
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