Rodgers on Sturridge and Sakho fitness
Liverpool are hopeful Daniel Sturridge will return to action in this weekend's FA Cup semi-final but they'll be without the services of Mamadou Sakho, Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Monday night.
The pair both sustained injuries in last Wednesday's 1-0 win at Blackburn Rovers, with Sturridge picking up a knock to his hip while Sakho suffered a hamstring issue meaning both were ruled out against Newcastle.
Rodgers told his post-match press conference: "Daniel Sturridge was injured from the Blackburn game and he just wasn't right for tonight. It's his hip, but hopefully he'll be okay for the weekend.
"I'll probably know more in the week. He said he feels reasonably fine, so we're hoping by the middle of the week we'll have a good indication of where he's at."
Journalists asked the manager how long Sakho was likely to be sidelined for, to which he replied: "Three to four weeks, probably."
Meanwhile, Rodgers confirmed Mario Balotelli was absent against the Magpies due to illness and will be assessed ahead of Sunday's Wembley date with Aston Villa.
"He wasn't quite fit enough for tonight, so hopefully he'll train in the middle of the week," said the boss. "He's had on and off sickness issues."
