Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers: Brad Jones 'to play against Arsenal' ahead of Simon Mignolet

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Brad Jones will continue as his number one ahead of Simon Mignolet for the Premier League game against Arsenal on Sunday 21 December, while he has also accepted Mario Balotelli's one-game ban.

After a slow start to the campaign, the Belgium international goalkeeper was surprisingly benched during the 3-0 defeat against Manchester United at the weekend, while he remained as a substitute for the Capital One Cup quarter-final victory against Bournemouth on Wednesday 17 December.

Rodgers has confirmed the Australian will starts his third consecutive game for the match against Arsenal on Sunday.

When questioned about the situation during the press conference ahead of the Premier League game, the manager said: "No change."

Furthermore, Rodgers revealed centre-back Dejan Lovren, who was substituted at half-time on Wednesday, is a doubt.

He said: "I am waiting to hear on that [Lovren], hopefully he'll be fit for the weekend."

Meanwhile, Rodgers praised summer signing Lazar Markovic after the winger's excellent performance against Bournemouth but refused to confirm whether he will be in the starting line-up against Arsenal.

He said: "It [his goal] was a great finish by Lazar and I thought it was excellent. He was a real threat for us."

Balotelli will miss the game after been banned for one game and handed a £25,000 fine for an alleged anti-Semitic and racist image posted on his Instagram.

Questioned about that, Rodgers said: "We accept the ban."

Meanwhile, speaking about Arsene Wenger's side, he said: "Arsenal are a top side with outstanding players. It will be a difficult game for us."

Having reportedly been interested in signing Alexis Sanchez in the summer, Rodgers praised the Chile international.

"All I know is that he is a world-class player and he was identified as someone to come in who would be perfect for us," Rodgers said. "We know he'll be a threat this weekend."