Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists transfer talk had nothing to do with Andy Carroll not making their Europa League win at Hearts.

Carroll failed to make the squad for the play-off first leg in Edinburgh - despite his presence at the stadium - with the £35million striker linked with a return to Newcastle.

However, Rodgers says the forward was set to start against Hearts and he remains hopeful he will be fit for Sunday's visit of champions Manchester City.

He said: "Andy was due to start. He had a slight twinge on his hamstring.

"We had a scan on it and it didn't show a tear, just a slight disruption.

"We tried to give him 48 hours, let him travel and he trained yesterday to see how it was.

"It was still a bit tight and the medics' advice was it was too much of a risk for him to play.

"It was unfortunate because he has worked well and I know he was desperate to play.

"Hopefully missing the game tonight will allow him to recover for the weekend."