The manager admitted after Saturday's 0-0
draw with Bolton that the striker had been
overlooked for selection, but insists a move
away is not a foregone conclusion



Liverpool manager Brendan
Rodgers has defended
striker Mario Balotelli and
insisted "it is not the case"
that his Anfield career is
over.
Rodgers admitted after Saturday's 0-0 draw
with Bolton in the FA Cup that he had overlooked
the striker following below-par displays training
and urged the summer signing to step up if he
wanted to be involved.
While the Reds boss accepts his striker has
struggled to impress since his move to Anfield,
he is not prepared to give up on the Italy
international yet.
"It's been a difficult period for Mario but he
wants to fight for an opportunity here," he told
reporters. "The opportunity is there."
In more positive news, Daniel Sturridge
returned to full training with the Liverpool
squad on Sunday as his return to first-team
action for the first time since August draws
near.
Liverpool face Chelsea in the second leg of their
League Cup semi-final on Tuesday, with some
suggesting Sturridge could be involved but
Rodgers is not looking to rush the striker back.
"We'll see how it is today," Rodgers said. "He
trained very, very well yesterday. That was as
comfortable as he's looked, he looked back to
normal.
"We won't risk it that's for sure, he's been out
for a long time and we need to make sure he's
ready."
Chelsea suffered a shock 4-2 home loss to
Bradford City in the FA Cup on Saturday, but
Rodgers does not feel that result will serve to
help his side though does expect "trepidation"
from Jose Mourino & Co.
"Chelsea had a tough result at weekend but they
are an outstanding team. They are dangerous,"
he said.
"Confidence is high. We certainly won't
underestimate Chelsea, but our form and
resilience is getting better."
When asked if Liverpool were set to do any
business in the remainder of the January
transfer window, Rodgers responded: "I don't
think so. Unless something dramatic happens we
will go with what we have."