Rodgers On Gerrard Surgery & Returns Of Sterling and Kelly

Brendan Rodgers has eased the concerns of Liverpool fans by denying reports club captain Steven Gerrard requires surgery on his shoulder.

Comments made by first team coach Mike Marsh earlier in the week suggested that Gerrard, who has played every minute of the club's Premier League campaign, will need to go under the knife sooner rather than later to repair the persistent injury that could require a lengthy recovery period.

But Rodgers has calmed such talk, insisting there are no immediate plans for the club captain. "There's nothing in that at all, really," Rodgers told a press conference, the club's official website reports.

"You will have noticed over the last year or so, whether he's been playing for Liverpool or England, he's had some taping and strapping on his shoulder - but there is no immediate surgery planned.

"We're just going to see how it goes between now and the end of the season. He's dealt with it remarkably well, so there is no decision on it at all."

Gerrard's hopes to participate in his own testimonial game against Olympiacos were thrown into doubt following the reports of an imminent surgery, in addition to his role in England's friendly internationals over the summer.

But Rodgers spoke confidently about the game at Anfield on August 3, suggesting he has no worries over his captain's potentially missing his big night.

"He thoroughly deserves it," Rodgers added. "He has been an incredible player for the football club and like the man that he is, didn't want the testimonial to get in the way of our preparations.

"It is something that he will thoroughly deserve and should be a great day for him.

In other injury news, Rodgers has also confirmed that he will not be rushing Martin Kelly back into the first team this season. The 22-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Manchester United last September, an injury that virtually ended the defender's campaign.

Kelly has reportedly made great strides in his rehabilitation, suggesting he could be in line for an appearance before the end of the season. However, Rodgers sees a return next campaign as a more effective return date.

"He is in between the training group and the rehab group. But there is no point rushing him back at this stage of the season. "

The former Swansea City boss could be tempted to hand Raheem Sterling some game time in the club's remaining four fixtures of the season though, as the teenager nears a return from a thigh injury.

"It's only been a precaution with Raheem," he added. With him being so young, we are protecting him."