Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson is one of seven players out injured for Liverpool

Liverpool are without Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho for the League Cup third round tie against Middlesbrough as their injury problems continues to mount.

Henderson is absent with a hip strain while Coutinho's groin injury, which forced him to miss the Premier League defeat to West Ham United, will keep him out of the visit of the Championship club on Tuesday 23 September.

"We just need to assess one or two," Rodgers said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Middlesbrough.

"Jordan Henderson picked up a knock so we need to assess where he's at. And Philippe Coutinho is highly unlikely for tomorrow as well."

The duo join five other players on the Liverpool treatment table - Daniel Sturridge, Glen Johnson, Joe Allen, Emre Can and Jon Flanagan - all of whom are facing extended spells out of the team.

"We haven't got any guys returning [for Middlesbrough]," Rodgers added. "Glen Johnson is still out. Joe Allen and Emre Can aren't fit. Daniel Sturridge won't be fit. Young Jon Flanagan has obviously had his operation.

"So we've got a few injuries to cope with but it'll always give a chance to one or two of our younger players, who are doing very well at the academy, to get a chance to be in the squad. That's my first look."

The lengthy injury list comes at a time when Liverpool's title hopes are being heavily scrutinised following their third league defeat of the season at Upton Park.

The League Cup, therefore, could act as an avenue for success for the club, despite Liverpool having grander designs this term after finishing second in the Premier League behind champions Manchester City last season.

"We want to get through," said Rodgers. "We want to win a trophy, which I mentioned in pre-season, and this competition will give us the opportunity to do that."