Rodgers set to give Suarez a break
However, that does not necessarily open the door for new signing Daniel Sturridge to walk straight into the side as his replacement.
Suarez has scored four goals in his last two matches to take his tally to 18 for the season, which includes 15 in 20 Premier League matches.
The Uruguay international is pivotal to his side’s chances of making a bid for the top four and a trip to a non-league club on a less-than-perfect pitch may be too much of a gamble.
Rodgers is keen to protect Suarez where possible — even though he knows the 25-year-old will want to play this weekend.
“The players are paid here to play wherever the club ask them,” said the Reds boss.
“Every game is a massive game, whether it is Mansfield away or Manchester United away.
“Luis is a player who loves playing, that is why he is here: to play games and score goals.
“I know from working with him he wants to play. He is an ultimate professional. There are no worries with him.
“But he’s coming off the back of a real busy period where he’s given everything in the games and scored goals.
“We have players coming back now, which is great, and having Daniel come through the door and Fabio Borini returning from injury (soon) will be great for us.
“We will pick a team which will hopefully win the game.”
It remains to be seen when Sturridge will be given his bow after moving to Anfield this week on a long-term deal, with Rodgers saying: “Daniel is still catching up a bit on his fitness because he has been out for a period of time.
“He’s looked good in the couple of sessions we’ve had but I’m not looking to rush Daniel into anything.
“He is not under big pressure to come in and perform straightaway, in particular because of the form of the team at the moment.”
Sturridge’s arrival is likely to see the 23-year-old given a chance to play the central striker role he craves.
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