Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists Dan Agger isn't being ignored.
The vice-captain has not started since Southampton visited Anfield on September 21 - a game in which he was forced to be substituted due to injury.
"I've reassured him and Daniel is one that understands fully the situation," he told reporters at Melwood. "He's like every player, of course, and he wants to play and he's a top player.
"He's training remarkably well. It's obviously been difficult because since he came out of the team with that injury against Southampton, the team has done very well.
"It's something he understands and he's come in [to training], has a smile on his face and is working exceptionally well.
"That's what we need because it's going to be the whole squad that allows us to succeed - and he's a player that respects the decision.
"He's fighting and waiting for that moment, and when he does get back in he'll be in there to fight to keep his place."
