Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Steven Gerrard is on the substitutes bench because of how well the team has played in his absence, reports the Daily Express.
SEE MORE
Liverpool transfer news
Man Utd legend tips club to pip Liverpool to a Champions League spot
Liverpool player ratings vs Swansea: Henderson scores only goal as Reds scrape win
The 34-year-old has been injured for the last month, but returned to full fitness in time for the Swansea City match on Monday night. Despite this, the club captain didn’t start, and only came on for the final 25 minutes. The team still won the game, with a goal from vice-captain Jordan Henderson to thank for the three points.
When asked why Gerrard didn’t play, Rodgers said: “You have to pay respect to the team. The team has been playing very well and getting results and collectively over the last three months we’ve been in great form. You’ve also got to pay attention that he [Gerrard] has been out for considerable period of time as well, but you see how important he is when he came on.
“We were able to penetrate when Steven came on and he offered that calmness and control. We switched to a diamond with Steven at the bottom and he was very important to that.”
With the side continuing to look good in his absence it is unknown whether the midfielder will return to the starting XI in the near future. The Reds next play against Manchester United on Sunday, and will move up to the Premier League top four if they manage to beat the Red Devils at Anfield.