ANDY Carroll's playing future has been cast into further doubt after he was left out of Liverpool's Europa League squad for yesterday's game in Belarus.
The England striker, who is wanted by West Ham and former club Newcastle, was expected to be involved in the first leg of the third qualifying round against FC Gomel but he has stayed on Merseyside.
Officially his absence was put down to a slight groin strain but, reading between the lines, it would appear that no chances are being taken with his fitness because he could soon leave.
West Ham remain desperate to land Carroll, 23, but his preference would be for a return to the North East with Newcastle, who are also in this season's Europa League.
Had Carroll played in Belarus, he would not have been Cup-tied because UEFA rules allow players to represent one club in a qualifying round and another in the group stages.
Yesterday's game will barely register in Liverpool's illustrious European history but there will be added significance for Jamie Carragher, poised to make his 700th club appearance, and Brendan Rodgers.
After three friendlies in North America, new manager Rodgers will finally take charge in a competitive game and, as someone who grew up supporting Liverpool, he says it will be the ultimate honour.
"Maybe over the history of the club this will not be one of the most glamorous games but, for me, it will mean everything," said Rodgers.
Rodgers insists there is plenty going on behind the scenes to bring in some more fresh faces.
He told the club website: "There's a lot of great work going on, obviously with the board and Ian Ayre in particular doing a lot of work behind the scenes. I've got regular contact going with our American owners and, in particular, Mike Gordon from Fenway Sports Group.
"Obviously when it's a club like Liverpool prices are always increased and so on, but I always felt it was important by the beginning of the season we could have the squad we want -- and certainly by the end of the transfer window I would hope that will be the case.
"There is lots of speculation. I've seen hundreds of names linked with Liverpool and there's very few of them that were even close to coming here or we have even looked at.
"Unfortunately for the supporters they've got to read it and put up with it. But the message is there is a lot of work going on, on a number of deals and hopefully we can get those completed by the end of August." Daily Mail
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