Daniel Sturridge will not play in Liverpool's Europa League clash with Sion on Thursday, boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed.

Rodgers has insisted the Europa League will continue to be used for his fringe players to get games and prove themselves, and Sturridge will be rested ahead of the Merseyside derby against Everton.

"Daniel won't be involved in the game.

"Daniel has worked very hard and come back ahead of schedule but we have to make sure we don't break him at this stage. He won't play, which will obviously keep him fresh for the game at the weekend.

"We saw from the game at the weekend is that he is still working on his fitness but he gives us that quality. Daniel has shown that. If we can keep him fit - and there's still a way to go but we're working towards a good level of fitness - then there's a real good combination there with Danny Ings."

Rodgers added: "Our approach to this game will be how it's been in the competition so far; it's an opportunity for young players and players on the fringes that haven't been playing.

"But it will also going to require players that have been playing. Our home games are very important and we enter into it with the mind-set to win the game. Then we can concentrate on the game on Sunday.

"I think it's a game where we're going to have to be patient. They very quickly get players behind the ball, sit deep and play a counter-attack game. And they had a good result against Rubin Kazan so that will give them confidence."