Brendan Rodgers explained the reason behind Steven Gerrard's absence from Liverpool's 2-0 win over West Ham United – and confirmed he will return to the squad for the midweek trip to Bolton Wanderers.

The captain sat out the Reds' Anfield victory against the Hammers as a precautionary measure after feeling hamstring tightness following his 120-minute exertions at Chelsea on Tuesday.

Gerrard is, however, in line to return to the fold and make his 700th Liverpool appearance in Wednesday's FA Cup fourth-round replay with Bolton at the Macron Stadium.

Rodgers told reporters in his post-match press conference: "It was just precautionary, really. After the game the other night, his hamstring was tight.

"We've got a lot of games over the coming months, so we didn't want to risk it when we have other players that are fresh."