Liverpool injury news: Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino among absentees for Aston Villa

A look at those who will miss this weekend's game

Christian Benteke (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool take on Aston Villa this weekend amid mounting speculation around the future of manager Brendan Rodgers.

Concerns over a mediocre start to the season were compounded by the need for penalties to get past Carlisle in the Capital One Cup in midweek.

A home fixture against Aston Villa is just the sort of game Rodgers needs - winnable and relatively low key. But he will go into the match without a few key players.

Here, we take a look at those who could and definitely will be absent from Saturday's match...

Dejan Lovren (defender)

Rodgers has confirmed that the centre-back will be out for a "few weeks" due to ligament damage.

Roberto Firmino (forward)

The summer signing will miss this weekend's match and could be out for a few more after that. He landed awkwardly in the win over Carlisle and may have fractured a bone in his back.

Christian Benteke (forward)

The striker won't be able to line up against his former side this weekend due to a hamstring complaint triggered in the 1-1 draw with Norwich. Rodgers has said he will "probably be out for a little bit of time".

Jordan Henderson (midfielder)

The captain has a foot injury and will be out for around eight weeks after having an operation to fix a broken bone.

Jon Flanagan (defender)

Missed all of last season with a knee injury and continues to be out - it's hoped the young defender will return before the end of the year.