QPR vs. Liverpool: Key Takeaways from Brendan Rodgers' Pre-Match Presser

Liverpool return from the international break for a clash with Queens Park Rangers on Sunday. Yet, a significant portion of manager Brendan Rodgers' pre-match press conference was still spent addressing the controversy surrounding Raheem Sterling and the England national team.

The 19-year-old winger didn't start the side's 1-0 victory over Estonia last weekend. He came off the bench as a substitute just after the hour mark. A media firestorm erupted after it was reported he asked to be left out of the lineup because he was too tired to play 90 minutes.

Rodgers hasn't taken kindly to the criticism his player has received in recent days.

This Is Anfield notes the boss said Sterling has been "incredible" during every step of their journey together:

He's also unhappy the winger has been targeted for being honest with national team head coach Roy Hodgson, as noted by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

Finally, Tony Barrett of The Times passed along word Rodgers and Hodgson have discussed the situation and just want to move forward:

As for details regarding this weekend's match, Rodgers states they won't even take a seriously look at the table until the 10-match mark. Liverpool are currently in ninth place with 10 points through seven matches, but are only one point outside of the top four.

Squawka Football notes the manager mentioned Everton's late equalizer from Phil Jagielka as a key reason they aren't higher in the standings right now:

He also provided information on several injury situations.

Pearce passed along the encouraging update on midfielders Emre Can and Joe Allen:

Ben Smith of the BBC highlighted Dejan Lovren's status:

And a late fitness test is in order for Daniel Sturridge, per Liverpool Stuff:

"

Brendan Rodgers says that Daniel Sturridge trained today and will need to be assessed tomorrow to see whether he can play vs QPR.

— Liverpool Stuff (@anfield_stuff) October 17, 2014"

The Reds secured a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion before the international break. They have a golden opportunity to claim three more points against a QPR squad that's struggled at both ends of the pitch and currently sit in last place in the Premier League table.

Getting back toward full strength would obviously be a major boost for Liverpool. Based on the updates from Rodgers, it sounds like they are trending in that direction. Sturridge in particular readies to help an attack that's been inconsistent in the early going.

After the QPR fixture, Liverpool face Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid in a Champions League encounter on Wednesday.