Raheem Sterling will be rested after Christmas
Raheem Sterling will be rested after Christmas (Picture: Getty Images)

Raheem Sterling will have a chance to recover from the busy Christmas period after Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed the forward will be given a break from playing.

Sterling – who bagged a brace in his team’s Capital One Cup win over Bournemouth in midweek – has appeared in 58 matches for the Reds and England this year.

With Sterling being an integral attacking option for his side following Daniel Sturridge’s injury lay-off, Rodgers has revealed plans to ensure the 20-year-old doesn’t suffer burnout by handing him a break from playing.

‘Raheem will have a rest,’ Rodgers said.

‘There will be a period that is already mapped out for him of when he will come out and have that breather and that recovery after Christmas.

‘There is a set period we will look at, it doesn’t have to wait until Daniel Sturridge comes back from injury.’

Raheem Sterling complained of being tired while on England duty
Raheem Sterling complained of being tired while on England duty (Picture: Getty Images)

Sterling was at the centre of controversy in October after apparently telling England manager Roy Hodgson he was too tired to play in the Three Lions’ Euro 2016 qualifier against Estonia.

Rodgers, however, has defended Sterling after comparing the forward to Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.

‘Raheem is similar to Wayne Rooney in that he is better in rhythm. I love Wayne Rooney, I think he is a brilliant player, but take him out for a couple of games and he is not the same player.

‘Raheem is in that mould, if you take him out of rhythm it takes him a while to get going again. He is a boy who is better in rhythm and in games.’

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