Real Madrid vs Liverpool: Brendan Rodgers Contemplating Resting Steven Gerrard for Champions League Clash

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hinted that he could rest Steven Gerrard for the clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Reds are into the second game of a crucial week, following a disappointing loss to Newcastle United at the weekend and facing the European champions on Tuesday, they play Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

This flurry of big games has prompted the manager to think about resting his captain so as to keep him fresh ahead of the Blues' visit to Anfield.

Rodgers does not consider dropping Gerrard a gamble, as he believes it is the right moment for the squad to step up and show its true worth and prove that all the players are capable of performing at a high level.

"I don't see it as a gamble. This week and these games against the likes of Real Madrid I see as a great opportunity for the squad – you put them out there and you put your trust in them to perform," Rodgers said, as quoted by the Guardian.

"In Steven's case, if he is playing on Saturday I have to look at what is the priority for him and us. If he played against Newcastle and didn't play tomorrow night you could say that was the priority."

The Northern Irishman has made it clear that the Premier League takes precedence over European competitions and therefore he is considering resting the former Three Lions skipper. He also feels that he has a responsibility to the other players in the squad, and that could mean more than one change from the squad that played Newcastle on Saturday.

"Him and I have spoken about that. Three big games, Newcastle, Madrid and then Chelsea. I need to look at a number of players to look at the games we want them to play in."

"But I have also got to look at [the fact] we brought in other players. And there is responsibility. But there is no doubt that our priorities are the Premier League and the Champions League, and always in that order," Rodgers explained.