Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has explained that Steven Gerrard was rested from today's matchday squad against West Ham as a precaution.
The Reds eased to a 2-0 home win over West Ham with goals from Raheem Sterling and the returning Daniel Sturridge, on off the bench, to claim a vital three Premier League points.
Eyebrows were raised at club captain Gerrard being completely omitted from Liverpool's matchday squad for the visit of the Hammers. But Rodgers has explained exactly why that was the case.
The Liverpool manager told his post-match press conference, when asked about Gerrard: "It was just precautionary, really.
"After the game the other night, his hamstring was tight.
relatedNewsStory
"We've got a lot of games over the coming months, so we didn't want to risk it when we have other players that are fresh."
Gerrard will hope to be involved in midweek when Liverpool travel to Bolton Wanderers for their FA Cup fourth round replay at the Macron Stadium.
With a number of the Premier League's big guns having been eliminated from the competition, Liverpool are keen to progress and see the FA Cup as a realistic chance of a trophy.
Like betting on football? Check out our sister site Inside Bet. Free bet offers, betting tips, betting facts. Visit Inside Bet.
